Much has been made of the recent pieces submitted by one of our columnists, John Burns. In his weekly SporTalk column, John writes about all manner of things. Though usually about local and national sports, John tends to weigh in on all subjects and it is this habit, along with a gruff style, that has caused so many people to speak to us “off the record” about his “inappropriate” views.

To date, we have received one letter to the editor concerning Mr. Burns’ recent columns regarding the Shawangunk Country Club and the Ellenville Central School Board of Education.

However, off the record, we have been warned that, “We were not happy with his comments, and his mental ramblings are similar to a previous paper that your journal replaced! I hope your paper does not DIE the same way!” (The capitalization and underlining were in the original text.)

We understand and respect every person’s right to express his or her opinion about whatever John Burns writes. We also respect John Burns’ right to voice his opinion. And the attacks that have been levied against him in private by persons that will remain unnamed have been more savage than anything Mr. Burns has ever expressed within these pages.

To be clear, Mr. Burns’ SporTalk “column” is not an “article”. It is not the kind of news reporting that you will find on the front page. Therefore, it is not held to the same requirements as a standard news story. Nor is it fair to paint the entire paper with the same brush. Mr. Burns does not speak for the paper, nor do any of our other regular columnists. The opinions they express are theirs and theirs alone.

A community publication of this kind is meant to be a place for all of us to have frank discussions. We have never refused anyone space within these pages to voice their beliefs. Restrictions on such discourse with some subjects deemed ‘taboo’ is censorious and denies our community a much-needed vehicle for expression.

Unfortunately, it seems that everyone wants ‘accountability’ except when their ideas or choices are under discussion or examined in a negative light.

Over the past year the Ellenville Journal has printed many people’s points of view on a wide variety of topics. We have even published some of our own opinions that raised controversy. Not all news is good, and not all opinions are flattering. And at times, ensuring the freedom of expression is more important than protecting people’s feelings. It’s a delicate balance to achieve for a newspaper, especially in a small town. Nevertheless we are adamant about allowing all voices to be heard, and encourage anyone shocked, angered, or offended by what you read here to pick up a pen and join the debate.

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