LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: SPEAKOUT: A RATIONALE FOR ANONYMITY

Speak Out, the collection of anonymous comments called in by readers that appears on Page 4A daily in the Southeast Missourian, has been the target of complaints this past week. Some members of the Cape Girardeau Board of Education saw fit to use valuable meeting time to air their complaints about Speak Out.

Here, from a work-in-progress draft of newsroom guidelines, are portions of the section on Speak Out. It is presented here as a refresher course on why we publish it.

Most people love our call-in opinion column, but the concept has its critics. Here are some common attacks followed by our response.* The column is irresponsible. We fully appreciate the danger that Speak Out can be abused. While we want people to have the opportunity to speak out, we recognize that some of them can be reckless, especially when their names aren't attached. We take very seriously our responsibility to edit Speak Out calls carefully to make sure the printed comments stay within the bounds of fair play.* People should sign their names to their opinions. While we can sympathize with that sentiment, we believe there are times when people need the opportunity to speak out on public issues without fear of ridicule or retribution. This column returns us to the values of the American Revolution, which might never have occurred if anonymous opinions had not been published. And readers can judge each opinion of its own merits, without regard to who expressed it.* The column tears the community apart. While we can understand and sympathize with this concern, we ask readers to consider the sad history of societies that have attempted to silence the voices of dissent. Where dissent is tolerated and discussed, the community ends up stronger for the experience. Unanimity is seldom possible in a free society. It is gratifying to see how often citizens use Speak Out to defend their community when it is unfairly attacked. While some exchanges can be hurtful in the short term, the broader picture is that Speak Out provides for a healthy exchange in which citizens interact with one another in a continuing search for a working community consensus.* Why are so many Speak Out calls negative? Sadly, most people don't say anything unless they are unhappy. It is gratifying to see how often Speak Out callers come to the defense of those issues and individuals who are unfairly attacked. When you disagree with a call, why not take your case to your fellow citizens by calling Speak Out yourself or writing a letter to the editor? We also encourage readers to accept our invitation to give balance to Speak Out by calling to talk about positive things in the community.* The column is full of scurrilous potshots. While we want people to have the opportunity to speak out, we recognize that some of them can be reckless, especially when their names aren't attached. Please let us know whenever you see a specific call that you think we failed to edit responsibly.* Stop Speak Out or we will cancel our subscription. Every time somebody insists that Speak Out be stopped, lots of other readers insist that we keep it. Despite all the controversy, we believe that, given the opportunity for a full and open debate, the American people have shown an incredible capacity for ultimately making good decisions. And we believe the people in this community have that same capacity.

Readers, please call to let us know what you think.

R. Joe Sullivan is the editor of the Southeast Missourian.