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A online reader asked the question: Why does The Gazette publish letters of the type that critize businessman, developer and County Councilman Dick Stewart?
The 45 words in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees people the right of free speech. The newspaper’s Community Forum is a public forum, where people share opinions.
While some people may think an opinion is vile and distasteful, there is value is sharing with readers what their fellow residents are thinking and saying. Within bounds of a rather coarse filter we monitor and edit the language of the letters printed in the traditional newspaper. Letter writers published in the traditional newspaper also are more accountable for their opinion (than say in a blog). They must submit name, address and telephone number for verification.
Usually, there is a self-correcting mechanism in the letters column. A person or group may say one thing, and one or more people will respond with a counterpoint, or tell a writer that he/she is out of bounds. Again, that is the reason it is called the Community Forum. Just examine the letters on Saturday again and additional letters on the issue this week.
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The only guarantee of free speech in the Constitution is that Congress shall not make any law abridging the freedom of speech. Note the following:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
The question is why does the Beaufort Gazette/McLatchy choose to print garbage about "Tar and feathering" and "a week of stocks and pillory, replete with eggs and tomatoes" regarding any individual?
There are likely a lot of things my fellow residents are thinking and saying that really don't have any place in any newspaper.
It is ridiculous for you to try to hide behind the first amendment.
That cheapens the Constitution.
quote: Letter writers published in the traditional newspaper also are more accountable for their opinion (than say in a blog). They must submit name, address and telephone number for verification.
In my opinion, at least a name should be attached to opinion and replies in the blog section. Too often people spout off and attack someone or hurt someone or even scare some other person without any accountability. Just some stupid user name to hide who the person really is. With this system in place I could knock my competition in industry of any kind senseless.
If a requirement to attach your name were in place then people may stop to think about how other people would react to what they were about to say or imply. Stop and think. Maybe even research their stated facts.
Why should someone be allowed to attack another person or the credibility of another individual without that person knowing who the attacker is? It is unjust in my opinion. It is also cowardly.
It is a lot like being robbed and not knowing who did it?
I do not believe freedom of speech or freedom of press means freedom of accountability.
Respectfully,
JoeWayne Watson
As Mr. Cato pointed out about the letters to the editor, the blogs also have a self-correcting mechanism. People are often challenged when they make strong unsubstantiated statements. In other words, it is more about the truth, than who makes the statement. If you disagree with something that is said, present your argument complete with verifiable facts. You have an equal voice regardless of your name or social position.
I disagree with printing names of bloggers for two reasons. One..the internet is a dangerous place. Why would I want to put my name out there for some idiot lunatic to stalk me? Secondly....everytime I post, I risk retaliation by my employer.
do you remember a few weeks back you outting a fellow blogger by calling his name and his place of business? you hypocritical.....
CHECK!
Who did I "out" by name and place of business? How absurd.
are you the person for whom my post is subordinated?
I suppose not. However, I am proud to say I consider GWG my peer, not subordinate. Her posts have led me to believe that she is my worthy equal. More power to her, may she continue to be a voice of truth for all who listen!!
um i really dont care how you feel about GWG! really i dont. and read next time read before you speak.
Exactly! The blogging community needs to think of the parents (with names unknown) who have been writing comments about our local schools and their problems. Think about the retaliation possibly placed upon their children if these parents went directly to their local school or the district with their comments and questions.
I admire the bloggers who have been commenting about the need to have the technology improved in our local schools, to have the classroom web pages current, to have the principal's page updated regularly. Things don't stop for families because some employees have vacation time.
A few days ago there was a blog about the principal's yearly (or whatever) work evaluation also to contain information as to the quality of their school web pages - really? If not, it is about time, since we (the taxpayers) have spent so much money for this system of classroom homework assignments, etc. and it is failing miserably.
Keep up the good work gwg4544.
Well everyone is entitled to an opinion.