THE CHIEF-LEADER welcomes letters from its readers for publication.
Correspondents must include their names, addresses and
phone numbers. Letters should be submitted with the understanding
that all correspondence is subject to the editorial judgment of this
newspaper. Letters can be e-mailed to: RSTEIER@RCN.COM or
mailed to: Richard Steier, Editor, 277 Broadway, Suite 1506, NY, NY
10007.

Unique Media Democracy

To the Editor:

Politics aside, the issue of free speech that is discussed in the "For The Record" column in the Aug. 8 issue of The Chief is a critical one in the constant struggle to maintain a democratic society.

The Chief is unique among newspapers, both commercial and union publications, for allowing readers to express their opinions in its "Letters to the Editor" section and elsewhere. All too often, editors of newspapers, Web sites, and other media keep controversial letters and issues out of their media and only present their side of complex issues.

I, for one, applaud The Chief for its open policy and commitment to media democracy, and I encourage its staff to keep up the good work.

MARTIN FISHGOLD, Past President, International Labor Communications Association