Letters

Editor-> My Dear Eddy, As usual, you express your thoughts in a gentle and honest manner. I agree it is important to maintain a semblance of civility in what we write. However, in my rarely to be humble opinion, I do not believe there is very much unnecessary unpleasantness in the pages of the Megillah. Of course, different writers have different styles and there are times when anger has been obvious in some pieces. But at the very least the articles that appear are honest, straight-forward and varied. If all of our monthly columnists expressed themselves in similar style, I fear the Megillah would be very boring to many people. One of the many things I love about your monthly contributions is the positive ray of sunshine it brings to the publication. I always know that no matter what is going on in the world, Eddy will divert us with a bit of warmth, gentility and care. It is a privilege to present your work in the Megillah. Warmest wishes, Michael

Eddy Robey		January 19, 2005
	Civilized Discussion
One can almost hear Billy De Wolfe saying, "Picky, picky, picky," as he reads so much of what has appeared here in the letters, and some columns recently. Sure, there are things with which any of us can disagree, even some which may seem objectionable, but there are never any good reasons for sarcasm or rudeness. It is possible, and incumbent upon those of us who aspire to a Torah directed lifestyle that we refrain from words which are unkind. That does not mean we need all agree with one another, only that our discourse should be devoid of the snide bon mots which have, sadly, appeared here so often of late. A reasonable discussion of issues should rely upon facts, and not devolve into a mean-spirited exchange of insults. If any issue is of importance to the writer, consider this; no heart was ever won with a harangue, nor mind persuaded by angry words. Before you start to type, decide whether you care about the subject, or simply wish to vent your upset. If you do care, frame your statement in terms which are meaningful rather than heated. Always be aware that the reader knows nothing of you, save your words. There is no way to be aware that you are nice to animals, or doing good work in the community. Decide how you wish to be remembered, and write accordingly.
Editor-> My Dear Eddy, As usual, you express your thoughts in a gentle and honest manner. I agree it is important to maintain a semblance of civility in what we write. However, in my rarely to be humble opinion, I do not believe there is very much unnecessary unpleasantness in the pages of the Megillah. Of course, different writers have different styles and there are times when anger has been obvious in some pieces. But at the very least the articles that appear are honest, straight-forward and varied. If all of our monthly columnists expressed themselves in similar style, I fear the Megillah would be very boring to many people. One of the many things I love about your monthly contributions is the positive ray of sunshine it brings to the publication. I always know that no matter what is going on in the world, Eddy will divert us with a bit of warmth, gentility and care. It is a privilege to present your work in the Megillah. Warmest wishes, Michael
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