LETTERS: WHEAT'S VISIT TO CAPE WAS IGNORED BY THE NEWSPAPER

To the editor:

On Sept. 27 Democratic Congressman Alan Wheat visited the Southeast Missouri State University campus during his campaign for the U.S. Senate. A question-and-answer session was sponsored by the local NEA chapter, and in my estimation the colloquium was attended by approximately 100 voters. This important event was not reporter by the Southeast Missourian.

Of the 100 in attendance, some 20 were members of the SEMO Young Republicans. I expected heckling from this group but instead found myself impressed with their demeanor and interest in what Congressman Wheat had to say. I surmise that the Young Republicans sought to be informed voters in November's general election.

The members of the community who were not in attendance rely to a large extent on the Southeast Missourian to provide unbiased news coverage so that they too can be informed about the political candidates, including Congressman Wheat, who hopefully will be our next U.S. senator. Wheat's visit was a major event, and not even a mean-spirited blurb was reported by the Missourian. This conspicuous silence is reminiscent of Orwell's Newspeak.

When Congressman Wheat, a Democrat seeking the Senate seat in a state that has never voted in a black official in a statewide election, comes to our community, the Missourian reports nothing. However, when Mr. Ashcroft visits the community, I fully expect the Missourian to sponsor a parade or the like.

It is the duty of the press to inform the public of issues that concern all of us. The Missourian simply dropped the ball, and no excuses that may be conjured up will suffice.

I challenge the Missourian to lay aside its political agenda for the next month, reporting the news and informing the public about all candidates of any party.

DAVID R. ROSENER

Cape Girardeau