TO:  Letter to the Editor      

SUBJECT:  Use Higher Scholastic Standard

The Advertiser should require that everyone working for 
the newspaper has a college degree, not only with skills in basic 
English and journalism, but with skills in math and science, 
especially libel law and logic.  This is particularly true of 
editorial staffers.

The Advertiser once wanted me to take a spelling test in 
order to apply for a position.  Given the fact I have a college 
degree, many years of work experience, am a master at my craft of 
writing and know how to spell quite well, I felt insulted.  I 
walked out without ever taking that test.  Obviously someone else 
who took the insulting test but could not add, subtract, multiply 
or divide, much less do logic, got the job.  At least that is the 
impression I get reading the editorial page.

Quite frequently letters are printed which contain errors in fact 
and fallacies in logic.  A large number of these letters seem to 
be authored by religious fanatics or zealots.  Others seem to be 
authored by members of the KKK or private white only militia 
groups using the "Opinion" page as a battleground.

Again I won't mention any names.  After all I don't want any of 
these misguided Christian hate mongers bombing my home.  But I 
will say that it doesn't reflect well upon the Advertiser 
or the community to reprint lies or falsehoods, especially those 
which seem designed to make personal attacks upon private 
citizens or incite racial tensions.

Scripture also is often used instead of logic, intelligence or 
scientific proof to make a point.  The fact is, Biblical quotes 
appeal to the emotions, not the brain, and are often fallacious 
in nature.  That, in fact, is why everyone from the president on 
down to the mayor uses them.  They want your votes and care beans 
for the truth.

Since I refuse to work for a newspaper which insults my 
intelligence, perhaps I shouldn't be so critical.  But then there 
has to be a ray of light in the dark, or ignorance truly would 
prevail!




Sincerely,
 Terry Lynch

Montgomery, AL 

DATE:  July 11, 1998