Susan Smith: Did editors get memo on new letter to the editor policy?

To The Daily Sun,

Initially I applauded The Laconia Daily Sun's letter to the editor policy change last fall that prioritizes letters that “focus on state and local issues”; ”create space for conversations we can actually do something about — where debate leads to ideas, not outrage”; “too often, our public debates are hijacked by national narratives that do more to divide than to inform”; “We want this page to be a place for citizens, not slogans”; “Clear writing. Honest argument. Local relevance. That’s the new standard.”

Naively, I thought there would be an end to the delusional cheerleading diatribes by the same four to five weekly writers that regurgitate misinformation and falsehoods that divide rather than informs. No honest argument. No local relevance. I guess your editors didn’t get the memo on the letter policy change.

It would be enlightening and informative if even one of these weekly writers could articulate factually how any of the actions of this administration personally affects them, their families, their neighbors, their colleagues so there could be a cogent exchange of perspectives.

Your letter policy change also said, “The daily decisions that shape our communities are made not in Washington, but right here in New Hampshire.” This is only partially true. What happens in Washington absolutely shapes our communities. Just look at what our Republican-led NH Legislature and Belknap County delegation is doing. Falling in lock step with Washington, much to all of our detriment. Again, it would be so helpful if these Legislators would serve all constituents regardless of political ideology and share their rationale for supporting these policies and how they see them helping their constituents.

Susan Smith

Gilford