At least, I am told so (I don’t take it) and it is in the online version (second letter down):
The Aug. 1 editorial on the Enbridge pipeline rupture (“A year later, oil and key questions linger,” Aug. 1) points out that prevention is better than paying the $500-million cleanup for future spills. But this is only one of many consequences that flow from our over-dependence on petroleum. From the direct costs to our economy in paying for foreign oil, to the security issues raised by our dependence, to the threat of global warming, it’s essential that we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
That is why President Barack Obama’s 54.5 miles-per-gallon proposal is such good news. This agreement is a win for consumers, car companies, national security and the environment. Contrary to those who argue we can’t afford environmentalism, these industry leaders and our president understand that we can’t afford not to do the right thing — and that environmental stewardship goes hand in hand with more jobs and security.
Mark E. Miller
Kalamazoo Township
This is the first letter I’ve written for any paper other than my home-town Kalamazoo Gazette. They have a 150 word limit, evidently strictly enforced. I can barely clear my throat in 150 words! Nevertheless, I edited my 243 word first draft down to 208. Then Jason Ellenburg (some of you will remember him as MDP staff, or from one of the more recent campaigns he’s worked on) cut it to 148. Jason had given me a nudge to write the letter in the first place. Jason is doing public affairs consulting, and currently one of his clients is National Wildlife Federation. From there, the Free Press cut out another sentence!
For someone whose natural style is to put in supporting arguments and little side observations, this is almost painful. But realistically, most newspaper readers are only going to read that much of a letter anyway. I know I’m in a hurry when I get to the newspaper, and I usually skim to get the gist of a letter before deciding whether it is worth reading it all.
This is just to encourage those of us who write here to remember that there are a lot of folks out there who don’t come here, but still read the dead-tree media. Give it a try, and cut, cut, cut!
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