Unlike an internet blog where anyone can say anything, the San Diego Union Tribune with a circulation of around 300,000 selects and edits letters to the editor.
So, they must take some responsibility for such letters, at least that they are minimally factual and do not promote violence. This was published today (linkrequires going to the sixth letter)
Veterans, active duty, retired military – alarm, alarm! President-elect Obama is proposing a National Security Force with allegiance (pay, benefits provided by the executive branch) to him.
C'mon, some really bad guys have tried that in the past and we know where that went. Not while I draw a breath!
DICK SCHARFF
Coronado
Several hours ago I sent this email to those who control the Newspaper's content:
San Diego Union Tribune
November 13, 2008
To: Karin Winner, Executive Editor
Robert Kittle, Editorial Page Editor
Beth Barber, Letters to the Editor Editor
I have submitted and had printed a dozen letters in the U.T. in the seven years since moving to this area. While I often disagree with your editorial position, I have respect for your enterprise of providing factual news and publishing diverse opinions.
Publishing this letter from Dick Scharff today goes far beyond simply an opinion I disagree with. It represents something very close to fomenting violence against the President elect of the United States.
Veterans, active duty, retired military – alarm, alarm! President-elect Obama is proposing a National Security Force with allegiance (pay, benefits provided by the executive branch) to him.
C'mon, some really bad guys have tried that in the past and we know where that went. Not while I draw a breath!
DICK SCHARFF
Coronado
While this may have been meant as satire, given the strong emotions of many readers of this paper, it could more likely be seen as giving your newspaper's approval to those who would view killing Obama as assassinating a would-be dictator. Needless to say, unless the letter was describing the traditional position of President as Commander in Chief, his statement is false.
The Union Tribune must clarify and repudiate the "dictator" interpretation in a prominent way that will be seen by those who may interpret the letter in this manner. A simple letter to the editor will not be adequate.
Ethicists debate whether the murder of Hitler in his early years would have been a moral action. Scharff's letter, that could be construed as equating Obama to such a dictator, must not be associated with your newspaper.
I would welcome a prompt response to this email.
Regards
(My actual name given)
I have waited several hours for a response and have recieved none.
This is diary is submitted with addresses of the editors for those who want to write their own emails regarding this issue.
Karin Winner, Executive Editor- Karin.Winner@uniontrib.com
Robert Kittle, Editorial Page Editor-Bob.Kittle@uniontrib.com
Beth Barber, Letters to the Editor Editor- letters@uniontrib.com
---------------
Addendum: The letter quoted is a gross distortion of a policy position expressed by Obama during a political speech. It is evaluated on Factcheck.org.