Editor, Times-Union: On Wednesday, August 18, I retrieved my copy of the Times-Union from my mail box and began to peruse the headlines on the front page. One caption in particular caught my eye: something seemed odd; out of sorts. The caption for the article read: "Pro-Life Music Festival Saturday At Fairgrounds." To the right of the article was a logo, something you might see on a banner or poster. I thought, surely this is an advertisement. Since advertisements appearing in news article format are usually marked as such, I began to look for the advertising proclamation. None was found and I proceeded to read the piece.
Firstly, I question why this article was not included in the "Leisure" section under the "What's Happening" category. Does the editor portend that this is "news?"
Secondly, what makes this piece front page fare? The second paragraph of the article begins: "The Pro-Life Music Festival will offer music and fun." Somehow this seems to demean the seriousness of the issue and lends total disregard to its emotionally charged nature.
Furthermore, page 4A of the same edition quotes Reub Williams in what appears to be the Times-Union's mission statement with words to suggest a goal to "support all community programs that are designed for progress and betterment of the welfare of community life." Many scholars, philosophers, economists, clergy, politicians, etc. would have much to say to Mr. Williams. After all, there is continuing debate (sometimes violent) regarding Pro-Life and Freedom of Choice positions.
I realize that the Times-Union is an "independent Republican newspaper," however, there are actually Republicans who support a woman's right to choose and Democrats who embrace a pro-life position.
Finally, I question if the National Organization of Women were to hold a similar rally supporting their views and offering "music and fun" for all, if the editor would find this "story" front page worthy. This type of reporting appears anything but unbiased. Therefore, I must ask, what IS an "Independent" Republican newspaper?
Jane B. Richard, Warsaw, via e-mail
No Colts
Editor, Times-Union: Have the Colts moved out of Indiana? I picked up my Aug. 23 Times-Union to read about the Colts game of Aug. 21, and lo and behold, not one word about the game. There was a large story about some runner who stumbled in pain, and still won his race. I could care less if he had fallen on his face and still won. There even was an article on the Cincinnati Bengals, but not a word on the Colts.
Maybe I should start taking a newspaper with a real sports department. There was even an article about the Miami Dolphins, but not a word on the Colts. The last time I read anything about the Colts, they were still in Indiana only 110 miles away.
