Jan 16, 2024 2 min read

I enjoy my subscription to the Observer-Reporter for the news, local information, comics and especially the editorial page. Reading a variety of opinions and views, including those that we might not agree with, helps everyone develop their critical thinking skills to be a better person and citizen of our democracy.

I particularly agree, though, with a recent letter to the editor by John Moretti that calls out the questionable writings of David Ball. Ball’s statements often engage in conspiracy theory territory or outright distortions of facts. They certainly deserve to be published like other letters, but in the appropriate space, letters to the editor not editorial columns.

By giving Ball a large editorial space, the O-R appears to lose some journalistic credibility. Editorial columns should certainly have diverse and varied opinions, but the facts should be verifiable and true. Presenting another side of an issue needs to be factual, without hostility and extreme prejudice. Giving Ball a forum equal to those writers who strive for integrity and fairness is a disservice to journalism.

I hope in the future we can laugh at another rant in the correct space, instead of cringe at the appearance of editorial propaganda.

Suzanne Volkwein

Canonsburg