To the Editor:

I look forward to reading informative, insightful letters in NCN. Constructive journalism would be letters-to-the editor based on one’s personal knowledge, research and creative contemplation.

But the 9/5/26 NCN letter [Let’s save our planet, says Massena man] that regurgitates a complete word-for-word 1992 George Carlin comedy riff? Just because the letter-writer wants to belittle those with concerns about how our planet is being harmed? 

I think it’s offensive, irresponsible and not acceptable for an editorial page. (Nor do I approve of this letter-writer for parroting the opinions of comedian Bill Maher. Do we form opinions by aping comedians now?  Does that mean my letter will get printed if I send in a word-for-word repeat of a Jimmy Kimmel monologue because I like the way he puts down Trump?) 

Oh, I’m well aware of how humor and insults can be used to detract from serious matters. (After all, I taught junior high adolescents.) But for mature conscientious adults seeing the world in crisis, it’s no laughing matter. It’s a fact that our clean water and air isn’t a given as the Trump administration abandons EPA regulations. It’s a fact that land preservation is being ignored as the Trump administration underfunds National Parks and seeks to mine the resources. It’s a fact that there’s a complex inter-dependency between man and nature that must be respected in order to maintain a habitable planet.

Some may think George Carlin’s tough-in-cheek riff is funny 34 years after the fact. But for those who have the capacity to care that animals and plants, rivers and oceans and people around the world are being tragically affected by natural disasters? Not funny.

Gratefully those paying attention are making an effort to solve realistic problems (unlike Republican politicians and voters who think the answer to everything is tearing down whatever perceptive safeguards Democrats try to establish.)

Martha Hodges
Massena