The Time Capsule: Why does the paper lack debate?
The other day, shortly after I whacked a few pesky, yellow-blossomed weeds, a neighbor lady dropped by to give us a bit of her dandelion jelly. It was quite good.
She said we’d find it tasted much like honey, and it does. I’d still like to rid my lawn of the things, but they can serve a purpose.
Speaking of edibles, a recent column on genetically engineered (GE) crops prompted a few responses. The column presented some of both sides, although I acknowledged feeling uneasy knowing an ever-growing percentage of the food we consume contains components from plants altered genetically to tolerate poison that would otherwise kill them. It also concerns me that seed suppliers say certain heirloom vegetable seeds not contaminated by GE are becoming harder to find. Some studies claim there’s no problem, others are equally insistent that we’ve gone over the edge of a very slippery slope.
Those who contacted me are on the side of GE. They also, either directly or indirectly, have a financial interest in GE crops. Regardless, I appreciate hearing from them. I suggested letters to the editor, but this hasn’t happened.
Speaking of letters, I’ve received two from the same local reader. His comments were not on GE foods, but on columns I wrote on the union vs. right to work controversy and another on gun control. Because he wrote to me personally rather than the editor, I’ll use only his first name.
Robert makes some interesting observations. He feels certain private sector unions are good, while government employee unions are a waste. He offers an insight into how right-to-work laws came to be, has his thoughts on gun control, and so on.
All this brought to mind a question I was asked last fall. At an American Legion meeting, a veteran I was not acquainted with inquired if I was the one who did a column in the Express. I was evasive, not knowing where this was going, and replied several people did opinion pieces in the Express. He narrowed the focus, became more specific until, backed into a corner, I confessed.
“All right,” he said, “why does your paper get so few letters to the editor?”
The Express is not, technically speaking “my paper.” The column I wrote a year ago last month announcing I’d bought it and fired everyone except the lady who wrote pay checks was an April Fool’s joke; a prank that was perhaps misguided.
His question, though, is a good one. I don’t have an answer. I know people, such as those referred to above, who have rational, well thought-out positions; positions that often differ with those expressed on this page. Why are they reluctant, other than in the coffee shop, to say so? We wouldn’t expect a deluge of letters for or against whatever the subject, but I’m surprised so few comment—at least in this forum.
I thought an excellent debate took place a few months ago. An area doctor wrote in opposition to abortion and stated very clearly her reasons for feeling the way she does. A week or two later a person on the other side of the issue wrote an articulate response. This was debate, public debate, two informed people with opposing positions laying out their case. I wish we saw more of it.
Roy Marshall is a local historian and columnist for the Red Oak Express. He can be contacted at news@redoakexpress.com.