Column is a billboard
To the Editor:
I applaud your integrity and I admire your guts. When I read the "Your Turn" column I can see the old curmudgeon sitting, hands folded, smiling as he reads the column.
We have taken the paper for more than 50 years but if you allow yourself to be driven to doing away with the opportunity for people to express whatever, I may just cancel my subscription.
Congratulations to the pastors who wrote about this column [Your Turn].
You have told every would-be thief, "Come on down to our town." Our doors are always open to you; have a car, just wait until the person goes into the store, hop in, and drive off. Way to go!
Was it some heathen that accosted Mr. Winkler? Which of your churches does Mr. Winkler belong to? Did you counsel him before he spoke back?
When does an angry person communicate any way but angrily?
I firmly believe the column is an excellent way for people to say what they think. That there are nasty people in Marion goes without doubt. Possibly some of them are in your churches. There is no law against free speech. Those who write in a mean and non-caring way are in every town. Most of those people who are reviled against know who the revilers are. Cowards, little, sneaky people.
I disagree with your thinking that it is not healthy. Evil has always been sneaky, hard to identify, always there or here. Rather than try to hide it or not let it be shown, I hope the column will continue.
In the scriptures, evil was sneaky but always uncovered. You want to keep it covered. Instead, why not let it be shown to people and let everyone work together to rid the town of it.
I agree, the column is not a tool. It is a billboard, a public billboard, and should always be open to all, even the nasty.
I pray for its continuance.
Bob Cal, retired LLP, UMC
Kansas City, Mo
