I don’t like it. Porn that is. And, I don’t support it. In fact, I had a hard time with publishing the paper last week because of one of our columnist’s support of it. As managing editor, I have responsibility for the community content but not authority over all of it. Thoughts were rumbling, “Can I really be associated with a paper that allows this?” After a weekend break and some rest, I forged on and prepared for what I thought would be a flood of e-mails. But, you surprised me. I wondered why there wasn’t more of a public outrage. It was almost eerily silent with little discussion at all. I wonder if many people are like me, silent objectors. Maybe you read the paper, get disgusted and just throw it away? Has our society become so desensitized by things like porn that it IS no big deal?
When I first took this managing editor role in December, I requested that the following mission statement, which I believe summarizes what Current is all about, be printed on the back of my business card,
“To connect the community to events and people, create dialogue on relevant topics, and communicate local news so You are Current.”
The second point, creating dialogue, is what our editorials and columnist do, especially this past week. Creating dialogue around relevant topics is a good thing, I believe, and we give readers a chance to speak when space permits or put longer letters to the editor on the web.
We have had people bash us on our political opinions, condemn us for cartoons with condoms, and criticize our stands on local and national issues. Good for you, I say! Keep the feedback coming and let us know how you feel. Our goal is ultimately to serve the community, and we can’t serve you if we don’t know you or hear from you.
So, I look forward to hearing from you soon. I wonder whether the editor can write a “Letter to the Editor”? I think I just did!