For many years I have been a subscriber and reader of the Phoenix, and in my opinion, last week’s issue was the finest in the history of the newspaper. My admiration was not for the stories, the Fourth of July coverage, or anything of that nature, but rather it was for the number of letters to the editor, which was the largest number of letters published by the Phoenix in a single issue that I can recall, with almost every letter giving an opinion on the continued strife between racial injustice groups and conservative value groups.

I personally do not have feelings strong enough either way about the conflicts between these two groups to warrant writing an opinion piece, but this is a subject that has been and will be a defining issue in the history of our country, and I was extremely impressed not only by the extensive coverage of the issue by the Phoenix, but also by the willingness of the newspaper to allow so many individuals the opportunity to express their opinions and feelings on the subject through letters to the editor.

There is no question that print journalism has lost a great deal of readership due to the expansion and proliferation of the internet and social media websites, but many of these online platforms have become hijacked by individuals with ultra extreme views on both sides of the issue with no meaningful discourse taking place whatsoever. With all of the extreme views out there, it was quite refreshing to read the various letters on both sides of the issue that hopefully will allow our country to heal and come together, rather than become more divided.

As someone who has written numerous letters to this newspaper (with many in disagreement with the editorial board), I can attest to the fact that the Phoenix has never edited or refused to print any of my letters, no matter how controversial my views, and their publication of the numerous letters in last week’s edition showed their commitment to allowing all individuals to express their opinion on a controversial subject, no matter what their views may be.

Mike Proto
Bristol