STOP THE COMMENTARY

Couldn't let David Wilkinson's letter to the editor (July 3rd re:
nonsensical illegality of marijuana and the Sun's propensity to have the
last word) go without again having the last word, eh? Rather predictable. I
have long thought it unfair that the Sun takes a second shot at putting
across its views by commenting on letters to the editor. That it does so by
frequent use of obfuscation and arrogance, just makes the practice more
infuriating.

The Sun gets more than its fair share of opportunity to express editorial
opinion. It drives the process by writing the articles and picking
editorial topics in the first place. Letter writers usually get only one
chance to be heard, if they are lucky enough to have their letter chosen
for publication (by the Sun) at all. For the Sun to then take another go at
it by commenting on the letters, is in my opinion, unprofessional.
Remember, we already know the Sun's position (we read the editorial), so
stop the commentary.

You are an organization of professional writers and reporters. Your
articles and editorial pieces should stand on their own. If a letter writer
disagrees or points to a flaw in the Sun's analysis or arguments, let it go
- -- you've had your chance. If the letter writer is in error, or has made a
point with which the Sun disagrees, let that stand too. We readers
recognize flawed arguments in letters to the editor, just as we recognize
them in Sun articles and editorials. As Mr. Wilkinson wrote, we do not need
an editorial Big Brother.

Michele Kerschbaumer

(Big Brother? More like a voice of reason in a complicated world)