Maybe it’s time to rethink use of Sound Off column
Mr. Heron, I thank you for your input on delivery of the news by your paper, and what a challenge it is. I always thought that the Daily Times was fair to all in what you present, although I may be challenged on that one.
That said, I would like you to reconsider one way that you present news and views.
Because we all see and feel the pressure of today’s divisive environment, I feel any thing that reflects, and maybe aids to spread it even more, should not be included in your delivery of news and views. Sometimes folks get out of hand with their views and opinions, and allowing that to continue in an open read for all only adds fuel to the ugly arguments.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, both socially and politically, and this is not meant to deny any one that right, but today’s world is different – real different – than anything I have ever seen, and most have seen. It’s bad enough that some folks watch cable news more, and then form sometimes volatile opinions based on which side they are on. There is no doubt that the uptick in news with more bias than ever makes us even more decisive. Talking about the same thing over and over again, with a lot of “what if” conjecture, goes way beyond news as we used to know it.
Based on this argument, Mr Heron, I wish for your paper to stop the hard copy publication of Sound Off. There are plenty of on line forums that ramped-up people can blame, insult, laugh at their so called enemies, name call, etc. Let them have their right to speak their opinion in their own space. I know it could be said “just don’t read it,” but this isn’t meant to be about me. This is meant for the folks that use it to just ramp themselves up, and throw insults.
If you choose to not stop Sound off, then maybe you could just set limits on the sometimes vile and insulting words used, or just have it in your online platform. This is not denying anyone’s right to speak, it’s just helping to limit the escalating divisiveness. This, Mr Heron, is maybe your duty as a news service – someone has to start.
Please people of Delco and America, recognize this problem, and let’s start to fix it ourselves. I can’t imagine our young children watching this all play out, and creating a more divisive future. Teach your kids and friends by exampleshake hands, applaud their opinions, and limit your own one sided opinions. Make friends of those that differ from you, and always listen and consider the other side’s point. Please keep it nice, the way it used to be.
“There are plenty of on line forums that rampedup people can blame, insult, laugh at their so called enemies, name call, etc. Let them have their right to speak their opinion in their own space.”
— Jeff Campbell