THE editorial team at the Mail loves to receive and publish letters from its loyal readers because the more voices and opinions that circulate throughout the opinion pages, the better the Mail contributes to the democratic process in the Yarra Ranges region.
Even letters that draw attention to what might be deemed a small issue are important because they are a vital part of our system of governance and, thus, should be valued highly.
Not to mention that these letters are often informative or entertaining.
With the exception of any malice present in their contributions, the Mail’s letter writers have every right to express their opinion.
This is why the Mail is extremely disappointed to hear that one of its regular contributors, Val Butler from Cockatoo, has received criticism over her letters and opinions which are regularly published in the Mail.
Ms Butler has received what she called a ‘poison letter’ from an anonymous letter writer, which the Mail has viewed.
Clearly, this letter has upset Ms Butler, though she seems to have remained strong.
The Mail also received a response to the letter from Ms Butler, which reads:
“Universal charter of human rights states … everyone has the right to freedom of opinions and expressions; this includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information through any media, regardless of frontiers.”
It’s hard to argue against that.
To expand on Ms Butler’s comments, the best letters are those that seek to build on the ideas of others or, at least, productively question them.
Poor letters are those that endeavour to attack a person’s character, particularly if related to a community group or an individual.
With all this in mind, we encourage Ms Butler to keep submitting letters, because the Mail loves hearing from her.
Don’t let others’ opinions get you down; keep fighting the good fight.
To have you letter considered to be published in the Mail, email editor@mailnewsgroup.comm.au.
