I am writing in response to the letter to the editor in the Tuesday, June 26, Cape Gazette from Bob and Priscilla Clark who say that Don Flood's "missives are getting out of hand" (to quote the title of their letter). I couldn't disagree more.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark say that they wish to see the Cape Gazette "rein in the editorial bias and meet the challenges of fairness and balance in its future publications." I think what they are saying, in a very thinly veiled manner, is that they want only the conservative viewpoint expounded in this publication. The Clarks do not appear to understand that a purpose of a local newspaper is to inform, and that all positions should be considered.
One of the tenets of a free and open society is the ability to learn and teach perspectives other than one's own. I have to admit that there are writers on the editorial page who, from time to time, write things with which I do not agree. However, I respect the author's right to have his opinions, though they often differ from my own. Perhaps, I will learn from him, and see things in a different way. That is what intelligent people do. They never stop learning.
It is very concerning to me, and I hope, to all others who think freely, to read the editor's comment at the end of the Clarks' message, "The editorial board is in the process of addressing this situation with political columnists and their responders." What is the "situation" of which you speak? That once again, the views of progressive individuals will be silenced in our hometown paper?
I enjoy Don Flood's column, and was extremely upset when the Cape Gazette removed him from the editorial pages a while back. I felt that a voice of reason had been silenced, and that the editorial and management staff had somehow bowed to pressure to foist only conservative opinions upon us. When Don's column returned, it was like a window opened, and the Cape Gazette was once again a breath of fresh air.
I have known Don Flood for almost 50 years. He is a good, honest, and intelligent man. He writes well and is able to articulate current events in a thoughtful manner. There are many people in the Cape Region who appreciate the attention he gives to progressive issues and would hate to see the Cape Gazette, once again, succumb to the wishes of a few people who "moved here in 2005" and take away this steward of the truth.
I hope that the editorial board will not heed the wishes of the Clarks and alter the page space or content of Don Flood's column. I am sure that there are many readers who agree with me.
Cyndi Walls Martin
Lewes
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