Sound Off for Jan. 4, 2009
Reader: I would like the writer of the “Shame on left-handed lifestyle” letter, printed on last Sunday’s Opinion page, to explain its meaning.
At first glance, I thought the writer was referring to the European custom of using utensils, but, on closer examination, the letter appears to be comparing left-handedness to other differences in people.
I’m surprised that your paper printed such a hateful letter, but I suppose the letter writer and the editor are right-handed, which must mean they’re right.
— Mary Ruff
Editorial Page Editor Dianne Hardisty responds: You aren’t the only one to take offense with that letter.
I believe the author had nothing against left-handed people. Nor was the letter really about left-handed people — it was really intended to show how wrong it is to be intolerant of those who might be “different” and to make laws controlling “different” behavior.
This is the trouble with publishing satire.
People don’t “get it.”
We probably should reinstate the Opinion section ban on satire. It is too easily misunderstood. We’re sorry you took the letter as written, not as intended.
•••
Reader: My husband and I have been married for 46 years and get along very well, we hardly argue and are madly in love. However, one thing that makes the hair on our necks stand up is not being able to share The Californianthe way we used to.
Since you insist on lumping the Eye Street with the Local section, you have given us reason to be irritated with each other. I like the Local Section and he likes the Eye Street.
I must say my husband is very patient with me when I grab the section I like and take my time with the editorials, letters, not to say the puzzles, Heloise, Annie’s Mailbox and comics while he gets through the front section.
But it was so much nicer when we each could read the sections we liked over our morning coffee without the thumping on the table or grinding of the teeth.
Honestly, we have too many other important things we could argue about and would like to start our day with a kiss rather than a glare. And, by the way, the Hocus Focus is really getting too small; can’t you tell that artist he has to draw it a little larger?
Thanks.
— Beverly French
Jenner: We’re honored to be a part of your day, and to have played a small part in your 46 years of wedded bliss.
When we combined the Eye Street section with the Local section on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, we never imagined our attempt to save on the high cost of newsprint would sow any seeds of marital discord.
We recognize that any change we make disturbs the routines of our daily readers, and we never make them lightly. But combining these sections saves us enough to pay the salaries of four staff reporters.
I hope you will agree that’s worth the cost of having you and your husband kiss and make up each morning.
Those reporters certainly do!
