It is the prerogative of the editor to publish or not

It is the prerogative of the editor to publish or not

publish letters that are received which were no

doubt intended to be printed or they wouldn’t have been sent.

While some letters immediately strike a chord as they might contain material that could be taken as slanderous or libelous or are totally incorrect there is another category of material that sort of sits on the fence.

It’s not incorrect. It wouldn't fall under the category of libelous. But, in the editor’s opinion, it is considered mean spirited and to print it would be to open a Pandora’s box of community hurt feelings that perhaps should be left shut.

Running a newspaper often presents such situations determining what is actually newsworthy and something the public needs to know and what is considered more along the newsy lines and those “in the know” will know and those who aren’t will wonder what this is about.

This newspaper reflects a lot of community voices as it should. All are valid. All should be heard if they have something valid to say.

It’s easy for the press to be used as a public bulletin board,, a pawn between local politics and players to have their say for all to see.

When it is determined that the message would only cause more harm than good to the community, it is the prerogative of the editor to leave it out.

It’s a sticky wicket no doubt and perhaps a no win decision but “Letters to the Editor” are just that — letters. Some are cherished and saved. Others are tossed.

Meet the editor

Invitations are extended to community residents

who would like to meet the editor at the next

RappNews Coffee Club gathering. It will be held in the conference room at the Rappahannock News office at 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, April 21.

Just let us know if you’ll be coming so we’ll have plenty of donuts and coffee on hand.