Letters to the Editor
From our weekly issue dated December 16, 2009
(Editor’s Note: Views and commentary, including statements made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.)
Typed, double-spaced letters are considered for publication. Hand-written letters that are double-spaced and legible also can be considered. “Thank you” submissions are not accepted as letters.
Journalistic standards?
From Anita R. Savio
O’Brien
As a former newspaper reporter, I am concerned about several lapses in journalistic standards of objectivity in last week’s lead article, ( “Robinson: Climate science politicized,” Illinois Valley News, Dec. 2, 2009).
The first sentence states that “renewed and valid (my emphasis) debate” has been spurred by the release of the East Anglia e-mails. To say that debate is “valid” is to express an opinion. Journalistic opinion belongs in the editorial or op ed page, not in a news story.
If the opinion about the validity of debate came from Robinson, then it should have been attributed to him. If not, it should have been left out.
Also of concern is the last sentence in the fifth paragraph: “More than 32,000 scientists have participated in the petition project.” My understanding of the global warming debate is that the overwhelming majority of climate scientists believe that climate change is, at least in part, caused by humans.
At any rate, this is what nationally and internationally respected news sources have consistently reported.
Finally, the absence of quotes from contrary sources of information or opinion on this highly controversial subject is problematic. The reporter should have taken the time to research at least one contrary opinion, or called at least one academician with a differing point of view, and included that in the article. The fact that this was the lead story in this week’s issue makes the failure to include an alternative point-of-view even more serious.
Let me be clear. I have not given my opinion on the global warming debate, have I? Whatever my opinion happens to be, or the reporter’s happens to be, is irrelevant to accepted journalistic standards. Why are they accepted? Because we, the readers, have the right to expect news in the news pages, and opinion in the opinion pages. That helps us tell one from another. I do hope that this courtesy to your readership be adhered to in the future.
Merry Christmas
From Steve Lyons
Cave Junction
Want to have some fun this Christmas? Send the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) a Christmas card. You have nothing to lose but 44-cents.
Make it a Christian card to brighten the organization’s sad, dark little world. Make sure it reads, “Merry Christmas” on it. Let them know it’s a Christmas tree, not a holiday tree and that Jesus is the reason for the season.
Their address: ACLU 125 Broad St./18th floor, New York N.Y. 10004.
For those who aren’t aware, the ACLU is the one suing the U.S. government to take God, Christmas or anything Christian away from us. It represents the atheists and others intent on destroying our nation and way of life.
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