To the Editor:

After thinking about this, I have decided to submit the following observations/thoughts:

First, I thoroughly enjoy North Country This Week, as it shares many, many of the activities one can partake of in St. Lawrence County each week – in detail – concerts at Crane, sporting events at the colleges, drama, church events, school events, etc., etc.

Thus said, the one section of the publication which really upsets me is the Sound Off section. Even though there is a stipulation printed each week prior to the comments which states that…” present your comments in a tasteful, thoughtful manner, and don’t criticize local people or businesses. Political endorsements are not accepted.”

This condition is not always adhered to by the staff at NCTW and definitely not by those who submit comments.

Thus said, my reason for writing is, why does the editor of NCTW feel the “Sound Off” section is necessary. I know when I read it that I get upset by something someone has written, so I can only surmise that many others feel the same way.

To my mind this only contributes to more tension, discrimination, finger-pointing, and strong dislike of something or someone. What really does this accomplish?

I believe what is accomplishes is to continue the dislike, discrimination, etc., etc., that it fostered. In my opinion the newspaper would be better served by using this space to portray photos and/or articles of things accomplished by people who have done something worthwhile and noteworthy. The ability to badger and bad-mouth anything or anyone is not a good use of newsprint.

Why not do a story on the people from the Gouverneur area who have gone to the Carolinas to help with disaster relief, or portray some students who have accomplished something noteworthy? Allowing space for people to gripe and condone others is not healthy and in the end accomplishes nothing except to foster more unhealthy thoughts and ideas.

Perhaps a new look for North Country This Week would be something to really look forward to!

Karen Morgan

Norwood