Dear editor,
Greg Sarber has, for some time now, used this forum to spew his right wing fantasies about everything from the “Big Lie” that our election was stolen to his latest claim that there is scientific proof that masks are ineffective protection against the coronavirus. He cites an article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information that purportedly proves this. So excited was he to find something he thought supported his delusion that he neglected to mention the following statement by NCBI:
“RETRACTED: Facemasks in the COVID-19 era: A health hypothesis
“The Editorial Committee concluded that the author’s hypothesis is misleading on the following basis:
“1. A broader review of existing scientific evidence clearly shows that approved masks with correct certification, and worn in compliance with guidelines, are an effective prevention of COVID-19 transmission.
“2. The manuscript misquotes and selectively cites published papers. References #16, 17, 25 and 26 are all misquoted.
“3. Table 1. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Wearing Facemask and Their Potential Health Consequences, generated by the author. All data in the table is unverified, and there are several speculative statements.
“4. The author submitted that he is currently affiliated to Stanford University, and VA Palo Alto Health Care System. However, both institutions have confirmed that Dr Vainshelboim ended his connection with them in 2016.
“The Editor-in-Chief and the Publisher would like to apologize to the readers of The Journal for difficulties this issue has caused.”
Perhaps Mr. Sarber would like to likewise apologize to readers of the Homer News for his role in spreading lies and disinformation.
Jack Oudiz
Editor’s note: The retraction of the article, “Facemasks in the COVID-19 era: A health hypothesis,” happened April 30, after Greg Sarber submitted his letter to the editor and it was published.
Dear editor,
I finally got a trip across the bay. It was amazing. The bay was stunning, absolutely beautiful. Imagine my dismay as we pull up to Jakolof Dock and the parking lot has several abandoned vehicles, a derelict travel trailer and lots of trash. I don’t understand how that happens. Still a fan …
C. Navrot, Anchor Point
Dear editor,
My wife and I had a great time at the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival. We were, however, disappointed to find that the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center was closed. Well over a year after the pandemic, with most people vaccinated and minimal COVID-19 cases in Alaska, this seems like severe overkill. But what a great job for the Wildlife Refuge employees — work from home and deny the public access to federal facilities while we pay their salaries.
Steve Kruse, Eagle River
