From: Jim Rosenfield <jnr@igc.apc.org>
Newsgroups: talk.politics.drugs
Date: 16 Jul 93 08:22 PDT
Subject: Writing to Newspaper Editors
Message-ID: <1484000264@igc.apc.org>

Re: your letters and re: writing lettes to editors....

I strongly agree that preaching to the choir is a foolish
exercise.  And, writing to the newspapers *CAN* be fruitful, but
not necessarily.  Pick a topic which has had recent coverage in
that paper, or a specific news item which is so well-covered that
they must know about it ("everybody knows").  Then comment on the
article, opinion piece or the episode in specific terms.  Avoid
sarcasm and rhetorical questions.  They are confusing and less
likely to get published, although certain very well-done sarcasm
where it is very clear and not subject to misinterpretation has a
high chance of being published.  Wherever one can actually offer
documented facts, one has a higher degree of probability of
getting published.  Use quotes, facts and references.  Take the
statements of an editor or opinion-writer and clearly support,
refute or counter the exact statements.  Prove your point.
Or...make a point that is likely to reflect the opinions of many
of the readers.

Finally, ask editors to take positions and write
newspaper-sponsored editorials espousing a particular position.
For example,  now is a very good time to have newspaper writers
come out against mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines, or
against the "Smoke-a-Joint-Lose-Your-License" legislation (16
states or so have opted out of the Solomon-Lautenberg Amendment).
Now is the time to have paper-editors come out for medical
marijuana or in support of the Hoover Institution Resolution.

When in doubt, pick up the latest edition of the Drug Policy
Institute's newsletter and turn to the "Action" section.  Jump on
board one of these actions and you are likely echoing some
well-supported viewpoints upon which the editors are likely to
receive other aligned letters (in which case they may publish one
of the aligned letters, group them together or publish their own
on the subject).

Good luck getting published.  Please post your letters here as a
suggestion, demonstration and as an example to the other readers.

BTW, I don't think schmoozing with the choir is really so bad.
You might learn something here, as well.  Keep up the good work.
-------------------------------------------------------------- Jim
Rosenfield                          Peacenet: jnr@igc.org tel:
213-836-0926                      Compuserve: 72341,3027 off:
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