DISQUS

Perhaps one guidline to follow when deciding whether or not to print a particular letter is to insist that it be free of ad hominem attack that is nothing more than a diatribe about the person at the expense of a clear discussion of the issues. Surely Mr Charles'comments like "misguded relic", "her brain has atrophied..." and "double time it to meet your maker" are all derogatory references to Rep Betty Hall's age. I believe Mr. Charles crossed the line because he intended to inflict personal insult and pain on Rep Hall by appealing to the reader's feelings and/or prejudices rather than intellect. I would not have printed Mr. Charles' letter as originally submitted.