Research proves interesting

(Editor's Note:  A letter to the editor published Jan. 26 regarding the vegan diet and the flu epidemic is a form letter that was published in many newspapers across the country. The version that was sent to the Daily American listed it was by Walt Oster of Somerset. Before publication, the Daily American called the number typed on the letter to verify the sender and their address. The man explained his 312 area code by saying he recently moved to Somerset from Chicago. However, it now appears that the writer listed a fake name and hometown in order for it to be published in local newspapers. The following letter is from two readers who helped reveal the ruse used by this national form letter. The Daily American thanks Dave and Connie Welch for their efforts in this matter. This newspaper values transparency in this readers forum.)

February 13, 2013