THE 2009 LETTER TO THE EDITOR WRITERS OF THE YEAR

2009 saw two letter writers achieve amazing numbers of published
letters. Russell Barth had 183 letters published. Robert Sharpe had
176 letters published. Since there may be letters from each which
were published but not newshawked to MAP we consider this
accomplishment a tie and recognize both of them as The 2009 Letter to
the Editor Writers of the Year.

Russell Barth writes to Canadian newspapers from his home in Nepean,
Ontario. Canada has less than an eighth the number of daily
newspapers as does the United States. MAP has archived a total of 678
of his published letters which you may read at
http://www.mapinc.org/writers/Russell+Barth

Robert Sharpe writes to newspapers all over the world from his home
in Maryland. MAP has archived a total of 2,248 of his published
letters which you may read at http://www.mapinc.org/writers/Robert+Sharpe

Russell sends his letters with information in his signature block
which newspapers often find authoritative. Frequently newspapers
print "Federally Licensed Medical Marijuana User" and/or "Patients
Against Ignorance and Discrimination on Cannabis" from his signature
block. Occasionally he writes with the signature "Educators for
Sensible Drug Policy" which is also printed.

Robert writes as a volunteer for Common Sense for Drug Policy. His
published letters often have versions of the title "Policy Analyst
for Common Sense for Drug Policy, Washington, D.C." and sometimes
link to their website http://www.csdp.org/.

Letter writers may wish to consider what Russell and Robert do by
finding a way to include lines like the above which hook newspaper editors.

If you would like to join our team - please visit our Volunteer
Signup Form page http://mapinc.org/volunteers/