Last week, in a statement , the Minnesota Nurses Association accused Duluth-based Essentia Health of “choosing (public relations) over patients.” The union is in the midst of contract negotiations, so “shots fired” can be expected, and the MNA has studies, it says, to back up its claims.

This dig, though, recalled the barrage of negative messaging from MNA three years ago, also during contact talks, claiming Essentia was more interested in making a buck than in the health and well-being of the sick. The union’s repeated urges for Essentia to put “patients before profits” echoed from picket signs, fire engine-red T-shirts, and even lawn placards.

With the new accusation, and against the backdrop of a worsening political climate, important questions can be asked: At a time when there are constant false claims and ugly barbs that the news media is fake, the court system is weaponized, elections are rigged, vaccinations cause autism, and worse — each utterance leaving a little more doubt in more people’s minds, no matter how ridiculous the claim — should we be troubled by MNA’s narrative?

Should we be concerned about so much negativity eroding public trust in important institutions on which we need to rely, in this instance the health care industry?

“Very much so, yes,” Dr. David Herman, Essentia’s CEO, responded when asked that question last week by the News Tribune Opinion page. “It’s a complicated question. I would say also that for the vast majority, … when they have a...

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