Letters to the Editor Part One

I've written several letters to the editor of our local newspaper, the Courier Journal. Most do not get published, but I thought I'd try to put a few here on my blog.


April 4, 2006

Courier-Journal
Editor
501 W. Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202

via fax (502) 582-4610

Dear Sir or Ma'am,

Does anyone edit your paper anymore? Today's Doonesbury cartoon is the same as yesterday's.

Yesterday's Metro section, page B6 states that a man was found dead at 1629 South 13th Street, and his "name was not released," yet the previous page contains an article which says that the coroner was looking for relatives of Willie Compton "who was found dead at 1629 South 13th Street." So maybe his name was released a little bit.

Very truly yours,






June 22, 2006

Courier-Journal
Editor
501 W. Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202

via fax (502) 582-4610

Dear Sir or Ma'am,

Your editorial of June 21 regarding the "conspiracy theorists" and the arena project was most revealing. Although some might question whether building the arena on the waterfront with its inherent drawbacks is really worth the extra millions over the water company site, coupled with the lack of transparency in the selection process, the Courier, instead of taking the lead in investigating what seems to be a legitimate issue, resorts to inferring that anyone who would question the decision is a kook.

Especially precious is the statement that critics should come forward with evidence of a scandal or shut up. I hate to show my age, but I can remember a time when the Courier understood that inquiry was a vital part of its job.

I acknowledge that your paper long ago abdicated any meaningful role in investigative journalism, but it is becoming increasing obvious that you no longer even remember that that role was once part of your job description.
Very truly yours,



July 2, 2006
Courier-Journal
Editor
501 W. Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202

via fax (502) 582-4610

Dear Sir,

Just in time for Independence Day our very own King George shows us his disdain for our criminal justice system by commuting the sentence of a crony, Scooter Libby, as well as his low regard for us, the people, by lying about the reason. That’s true independence!

After hearing the evidence against him, a jury of his peers convicted Mr. Libby and a judge sentenced him pursuant to the legal guidelines. If I’m not mistaken, it was only last week that our president told us he was not going to interfere with the appellate process. I guess he meant as long as it went his way.

In his explanation, our President said that the sentence was excessive, so he commuted it: a glowing example of this administration’s favorite tactic, the old tried-and-true ‘false choice.’ One might wonder, what would be an appropriate sentence in the eyes of the Decider? A week? A month? Maybe a year? If that’s the case, why not let Libby serve the appropriate amount of time, then commute the remainder? Instead, we, the people, are given these as the only two possible options in order to make this contemptuous behavior seem reasonable. I mean, these were felony convictions, and one day to serve is ‘excessive?’ Does he really think we’re all morons or has his hubris become so great that he doesn’t even care what this looks like?

The next time I hear His Smirkiness speak of his high regard for our rule of law I’m going to throw up.
Very truly yours,

I've got a few others I'll post at a later time, that's probably enough for now.
Thanks for visiting.