THE SHADOW CONVENTION

IT is disheartening to see the Mercury News covering the violent
protests surrounding the Republican National Convention in
Philadelphia, while granting only one piece of coverage in three days
to the thousands of participants in the Shadow Convention across town.

The message you send is clear: Violence and chaos, not reasoned speech
and debate, are the best ways to get one's dissenting opinions noticed
by the media.

While those who are interested can visit www.shadowconventions.com to
find out what's happening in Philly that the mainstream press isn't
telling them about, I hope that the Mercury News is willing to rethink
its priorities for the Los Angeles Shadow Convention on Aug. 13-17.

Ethan Straffin,
Palo Alto