LETTER: Statesman violated own rules

To the editor:

    In the Wednesday, Sept. 29 issue of the Statesman, a poorly presented editorial was printed.  Regardless of the opinion or anyone else’s opinion, the editorial blatantly violated the second point listed under the “Keys to Commenting on this site” on the Statesman website. 

    This key reads: “Don’t threaten to hurt or kill anyone.  Even if you’re joking.  And speaking of joking, please be aware that irony and sarcasm don’t always translate via the written comment.  Better to be simple and straightforward than confusing and marginally funny.”

     I presume this standard also applies to staff-produced articles.  While I don’t fall into the category of the accused in the editorial, I am rather concerned for others about the retaliatory actions proposed by the leadership of the paper.  In light of this policy, if the retaliatory actions proposed were done so seriously then I believe a retraction is in order.  If the retaliatory actions proposed were done so jokingly then I believe an editorial apology and clarification is in order.  I’m sure that these keys are violated all the time, but I believe this situation is especially egregious.

Joshua Templin