Letter to the Editor

Our First Letter to the Editor

Posted

To JOLT:

Serious question: (two actually)

1 - Why is there no coverage of the demonstration regarding the murder of George Floyd and racial inequality?

2- Why are there no people of color on the staff, or board?

And a serious suggestion: Write an editorial!

I'm writing because I'm serious about ACTUAL local news that means something to the people in this area...not just a conglomerate that recycles click bait!

     ~ Andryea Grazier, Olympia

Hi Andryea:

Thanks for writing to us. 

Responding to your specific questions, first:

  • The killing of George Floyd and so many other black people who have died in the hands of those who swear an oath to protect all of us is absolutely a national tragedy. The Olympian and Seattle television channels have done great work in covering the demonstrations. And we have some coverage of some local people’s response forthcoming.
  • No people of color? Well, forgive me, but I suggest you re-read the brief biographies of our Board of Advisors. There is at least one individual you might count. And please note the 50:50 gender ratio. Our priority in inviting Advisors is to have a mix of journalists and former journalists, former elected officials and local civic leaders. We welcome participation from more individuals, regardless of racial background, and I’d be delighted to hear from someone who is black – or Asian, Latinx or other – as long as they have a commitment to expanding local journalism in Thurston County. 

This is our second week of operation.  We’re operating with a full-time staff of one person and negotiating to hire a full-time Managing Editor, then part-time reporters.  And we’re seeking thoughtful contributions from community members.

Editorials?  They’re planned. (If there are two sides to an issue, we plan to present both, or more, at the same moment.) Profiles, features, events, reviews, too.  Just not last week or, probably, this week.  Soon. 

Perhaps you’d like to write something?  If so, please write to me again, or call me on 360-357-1000. 

      ~ Danny Stusser, Publisher 

George Floyd, people of color,

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