Each year as we look back at the events in our community we see a commonality that links this year with years gone by — a vigorous and sincere community dialogue on issues.
Whether it be politics, crime, social issues, fish fry fundraisers or the environment, our readers have had something to say about local developments this past year. We know this because on this page we publish as many letters to the editor as we can each week.
As of today, we have published 356 letters on about as many topics. Of course, the presidential and congressional elections drew a lot of written comments from our readers this year, but a host of other issues were in play on the editorial page as the year passed.
The United States has a unique tolerance for public opinion as expressed through free speech by its citizens. The Founding Fathers made a wise decision when they drafted, and then approved, the 1st Amendment, which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Unfortunately, many people around the world do not have these basic, God-given protections for their thoughts and words. Instead, governments around the globe often come down hard on anyone who questions why things are the way they are. This obstruction of liberty is very noticeable when it comes to journalists.
The Committee to Protect Journalists reported earlier this month that 232 journalists have been jailed this year for practicing their craft. Simply attending a pro-Kurdistan rally in Turkey and asking people why they are there and what they believe in can lead to imprisonment for journalists. Turkey has the horrible distinction of imprisoning the most journalist (49) this year. It seems Turkish authorities don’t appreciate people asking questions about the treatment of Kurds in Turkey.
There is a close link between the freedoms given journalists in a country and the freedoms given to citizens of that country. In the United States we are very fortunate that the Founding Fathers embraced the liberty of personal and collective thought and wrote it into the Bill of Rights. Without their foresight, the United States would be a very different and darker place to live.
Opinion
First Amendment frees writers to have their say
- Opinion
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Keep taking those weather reports seriously
If you lacked a peaceful, easy feeling Wednesday, you weren’t alone. Throughout the day, media outlets were abuzz with breaking news: A massive line of storms was heading across the Midwest, and Michiana was in its path.
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Consistent battle plan would help with drug war
Wednesday night, employees at a Goshen convenience store inadvertently found themselves in the middle of the battle over synthetic drugs underway in Indiana.
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Goshen High School needs a new pool
For the past six months, the proposed $35.5 Goshen community center project made for lively lunch counter conversation here in Goshen.
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Graduation is a time to reflect
You’ve seen the pictures in The Goshen News. You might have been there when the photos were taken.
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Photo spurs discussion about farm safety
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then we at The Goshen News have nearly received our quota.
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Replacement of mascot statue the right thing to do
Sometimes it is tough to do the right thing. And sometimes the right thing has to be done at the right time to achieve lasting change. That’s how we feel about the removal, and now the replacement of, the Native American Indian statue in the Goshen High School gymnasium.
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A road to new bus solutions
This is a situation of that pesky “hidden cost” rearing its ugly head.
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Golson's lesson goes beyond wins and loses
It was around 10 p.m. this past Saturday when preliminary reports about Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson’s future with the football team began to seep out through social media and “breaking news” tickers.
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Take a moment to honor those who sacrificed
You’re probably off work Monday.
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Council makes a smart move on tax breaks
The Goshen City Council’s adoption of a tax phase-in policy for local governments will help bring uniformity to a competitive process that has pitted local governments against each other.
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Keep taking those weather reports seriously
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