Does The Star Democrat Want Public Debate

The Star Democrat's editorial decision to add the comment "in fairness" after Jim Bachman's recent letter addressing Mitt Romney'scomments about the very poor was, in my estimation, a gratuitous comment but nonetheless within its editorial prerogative.

 

If the paper is concerned about fairness maybe it should also exercise editorial judgment by editing unfair, possibly defamatory remarks, from letters that advance opinions by using unfair, possibly defamatory, comments. Editing out comments such as "dim whit" and pathological lying" would not have changed Mr. Bechtold's position. Letter writers should not be allowed to personally attack others. If an argument depends on such nastiness maybe it should be denied publication.

 

I would also contend that allowing such attacks may have the unintended consequences of discouraging private citizens from participating in public discussions. When thinking of writing a letter many individuals may be reluctant if they thought that the paper would expose them to personal attacks that are insulting to character or motives. The current political debate in our nation is unnecessarily coarse, abrasive and unhealthy. The Star in some modest way could help reduce the level of incivility.