LETTER: Inappropriate, hateful

On Friday, June 8, a submission from Daniel Gressler was published. I am not familiar with Mr. Gressler. I also am not familiar with Lee Gibson nor what he said that seems to have provoked Mr. Gressler (although I get the vibe that there is more to this than just a recent feud).

Mr. Gressler’s submission is nothing more than a long-winded ad hominem attack interspersed with a few pats on his own back. I don’t say that because of any differences between his political views and mine. Rather, it is because there is nothing either factual or directly constructive about his letter. Now it may have some indirect constructive value in that it represents what I think is so wrong in our culture today — the apparent necessity to personally attack those who believe differently when trying to make a point. Except it falls short of even that in that there is no point — other than to be hateful. And, I doubt that hardly anyone will see his letter as a teaching moment. Either they will be thrilled because he has spoken for them or they will be turned off because he represents “the other side.”

So … why would The Press even consider publishing something so inappropriate? It looks to me like bad behavior being rewarded. Mr. Gressler has the right to his views and to be heard, but he has the responsibility to express himself in a mature manner. The rest of us are entitled to an intelligent exchange of views and ideas (at least that is what I am paying for). If Mr. Gressler is so desperate to be heard and can’t bring himself to behave appropriately in a public forum, let him buy space in the paper for his rants.

MIKE HENGGELER

Coeur d’Alene