Reader critical of Speak Out, editorials

To the Editor:

I subscribe to the Daily American Republic because is it my source for local news, community events, births, deaths, marriages, classified advertising and AP stories of national news. The DAR shares stories of the generous and caring people who live in Poplar Bluff that give their time, talent and resources for the good of others. Stories about things like Santa Land, Project Graduation, the United Gospel Rescue Mission and The Bread Shed feeding the hungry, church services and special events, fund raisers for people who have lost their homes to fire or health to cancer.

That today's technology lets anyone with a cell phone be a "reporter" or "columnist" is a blessing and a curse. This is making it hard for real journalists to sell papers with objective news. Paper subscriptions seem to be dwindling. Headlines and stories become sensational in the attempt to grab the reader. It is sad to see this happen in our small town paper.

All too often people hide behind anonymity either in social media or unfortunately, in the same local paper that shows us the best of our community.

The Opinion/Editorial page of any newspaper provides an opportunity to read about people's differing perspectives on current events. It can be a lively, intelligent section to read. However, when any fool can call to spout off on any subject anonymously, from whale sightings at Wappapello to slander in Speak Out, it is just embarrassing for us all.

To add further embarrassment, occasionally someone writes an editorial but forgets that only people have opinions and signs the piece, "Daily American Republic" instead of using their name.

There are many people I've talked with over time that refuse to purchase and read the paper because of these practices. I wonder how many new subscriptions there would be if Speak Out was discontinued? And, if fact based, unbiased news were reported? What would happen if the publisher, editor or reporter wrote their opinion and signed their name? Would there be greater respect for the newspaper? There's only one way to find out.

As for me, I will keep my subscription and my faith in our community. When I read the paper or anything else for that matter I use a critical eye.

Angela White

Poplar Bluff, Mo.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: In many cases Speak Out allows people to voice their opinion without fear of retribution, i.e. a city employee who wants to be critical of city government or a businessman who fears his political views may cost him business. Editorials are signed "Daily American Republic" because they are the opinion of the newspaper not an individual writer. However, if you want to put a face on it, Publisher Don Schrieber approves all editorials that appear on the Opinion page.)