Still that is what the downvote button for. With a comment extolling why your opinion is further valid than the net points that support it, seems an exercise in ego that is not beneficial to either you or the community.

A published "real" news article like this is actually one of the more futile things to try to "correct" IMO. Some guy on a blog might publish a correction or change their view. The New Yorker probably won't (at least not based on an HN comment).

Have you ever tried correcting a "real" article? It's easier to write it in the blog comments then open an email with sources but it's not futile.

I've not tried, no. If something involved my personal reputation or that of my family or friends, I might try though. Good to know!