We always welcome readers' letters here at the Messenger. Since the paper's inception in 1976, its pages have been an open forum for often conflicting opinions. They have helped to throw light, and sometimes heat, on local issues.
We think this is healthy in a democracy.
As our circulation increases, we are receiving more letters than ever. So this is an appropriate time to restate our guidelines for readers who write to us.
Letters that are short and to the point are better than long, wordy and circuitous ones. They also stand a better chance of getting printed.
The editor reserves the right to cut letters, but will do so as sparingly as possible and usually only for reasons of space or because they are unduly repetitive.
We do not publish any obvious libels or personal attacks that would get both the writer and the Messenger into trouble. We are also loath to print information we know to be untrue. Sometimes a letter will be held over until the next issue for space reasons. We never print letters that are unsigned. The printed versions of letters are also posted on our website, www.topangamessenger.com.
Please, keep those letters rolling in. And remember the Messenger's motto: "God Save the First Amendment."
