Dear editor:
This is concerning the letter appearing in your April 15 issue as a letter to the editor authored by L O Cox. “Oil isn’t going anywhere”.
I appreciate the newspaper printing opposing opinions on issues of our day. And I appreciate the freedom of speech afforded to people. However, the tone of this particular letter was inappropriate and bullying. Most alarming was that the author used my name FIVE TIMES in calling me out. I don’t think I have ever seen a LTE like this in your newspaper before.
I have written many letters to the editor in my life, and believe I have a pretty thick skin for point/counterpoint. But letting this type of verbiage go unedited by your staff will have the consequence of other, meeker people with valid opinions, never submitting them to your paper. No one wants to be treated like this in the press.
Is that what you want? Most thoughtful writers do not want to spar in the dirt and feel bullied. That’s why they choose an upstanding newspaper over a social medial blog.
I am quite disappointed in your printing of that letter as it was. Please think about your standards going forward. Is it necessary? Is it true? Is it kind?
Also, since it appears that authors can sign only with a first/middle initial, I will be doing that from now on.
Sincerely,
V L Johnson