Column was well below standard

To the editor:

The vitriolic diatribe by Michelle Malkin, aimed at the Obama family including the children and paid for and printed in the Aug. 3 edition of the Southeast Missourian, was far below the standards I would expect from this, my hometown newspaper. Malkin employs shock journalism and fear-mongering in her efforts to advance her opinion. As Republican as the owners of this newspaper are, they should be sensitive to this approach. It might fly in The New York Times, but it's pretty abrasive here. Attacking a candidate's children is less than professional. There are standards which Malkin and the editors appear to be unaware of. Crucifying children is one of them.

JOHN JUSITS, Cape Girardeau