I don't usually do this...

Well, the note posted by cg07446 as a comment to yesterday's second post mobilized me. I don't usually write letters to editors, television stations, politicians, or similar destinations. I had my fill of that back during my college days, and the only tangible result of all that activism was a file folder full of clippings.

There is an art to writing letters such as these. The letter written by cg07446 is polite and ends with a call to action. My effort, below, doesn't quite measure up in terms of tone or any call to action. It is more abrasive, and I'll admit that, in writing it, I was venting my frustrations more than I was trying to get NBC to change its mind. However good or bad that might be, the letter is sent.

Meet the Press mtp@nbc.com To Whom It May Concern, I am truly confused about your decision to feature a debate between Ralph Nader and Pat Buchanan on an upcoming segment of your show 'Meet The Press.' In particular, I am puzzled as to why Mr. Buchanan is receiving so much publicity from media outlets such as yours when he is doing so poorly in relation to other minor-party candidates such as Harry Browne of the Libertarian Party. If there is a reason for this state of affairs, I can't fathom it. One would think that, since Browne out-polls Buchanan consistently all around the country and attracts the same number of voters as Mr. Nader, more or less, you'd pick Browne over Buchanan in a heartbeat. But for some reason, polling numbers don't do it for you. I wonder why? Is this appearance by Buchanan, perhaps, merely the extension of a professional courtesy by you to a fellow journalist who is running for top office? Is it a testament to Mr. Buchanan's ability to vigorously pursue and obtain publicity and platforms from media outlets? Or might this be a bold programming decision on the part of your network, to garner ratings points by providing a forum for someone who has become something of a celebrity in past years for espousing outrageous political views? I'm sure none of these alternatives reflects reality. Whatever the reason, I'd be tickled to hear it. Your treatment (or, rather, lack of treatment) of subjects such as the Browne campaign is why I find it unremarkable that I and many of my friends and acquaintances have taken a cynical attitude toward political coverage as filtered through your decision-making process. Cordially

Cheers...