Once again, a Federal Way citizen has written The Mirror, not to voice an opposing opinion, but to question The Mirror’s obligation to print views that some may disagree with.
Jerry Vaughn writes Jan. 13: “I have been puzzled as to why the Federal Way Mirror would be providing prominent voice for the extremist column written by Mark Knapp, the Firearms Lawyer…”
Well, Mr. Vaughn, I think I can explain that just like anyone past the sixth grade could. The free press has an obligation to print as many views as possible to the public so that the public can fully understand the issues at hand.
To write an opposing opinion is one thing, but to question the paper’s printing something is entirely different. This happened to me many times when I was writing The Pirkle Report. People would write in saying “why do even print this stuff?” and “Why are you running Mr. Pirkle?”
This has the effect of intimidating the paper in an effort to shut down contrary opinion, the favorite trick of the left, who claim to be in favor of freedom.
Mr. Vaughn goes on to say: “If you (the Mirror) believe that Knapp’s views are representative of the character and beliefs of this community, then that is indeed a sad commentary.”
Well, Mr. Vaughn, perhaps you missed school the day they taught about the Constitution and the free press. Had you been there, you may have heard the teacher say that it is not the job of the free press to reinforce existing community beliefs, rather it is their job to provide information so that these beliefs might change.
Mr. Vaughn concludes: “The paranoid delusional Mark Knapps and Glenn Becks of the world are a very dangerous lot indeed.”
Where have I heard that before? Oh right, I think I remember that King George III said that Nathan Hale, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock were a very dangerous lot. Thankfully, Mr. Vaughn was not around to try to shut them up.
But not to worry. I am not going to ask The Mirror why they print your vile remarks that include “contemptible and ignorant Glenn Beck,” “FAUX [sic] news” and “the paranoid delusional Mark Knapp.” If they will print those personal attacks, also a favorite trick of the left, then they can print Mr. Knapp’s stuff.
Bill Pirkle, Federal Way
