Cutbacks Made Reader Geographically Disabled
Who would have ever thunked it? The “Good Paper” punishing its own readers?
There’s no question about it! The Spokesman-Review’s decision to stop deliveries in certain communities has created a new class of victims - the geographically disabled. Unfortunately, living in Walla Walla puts me in that category.
My denial of access began one Sunday morning when I anxiously awaited the paper’s arrival. Patiently, I listened for the familiar thud against my door. But after my third cup of coffee, I began pacing.
Soon, I realized the unthinkable. The paper wasn’t coming.
I panicked and began running amok, searching desperately under outside bushes, frantically dialing neighbors and friends. Finally, I reached my carrier’s recorded message and discovered the truth: no more home deliveries or newsstand sales. Access denied!
That was over a month ago, and life on the outskirts of civilization hasn’t been the same since. I’m depressed, lonely and in a general blue funk.
I now have a therapist who tells me I must slowly withdraw from my addiction. She suggests I alternate between listening to talk radio and the soothing sounds of Yanni. I decide to catch up on my dental work instead.
At this point I know what you must be thinking. Grow up, adjust, read your local papers. I’ve tried, but frankly I don’t find the daily hog report or high school football scores all that stimulating.
No one seems to understand my choice goes beyond personal taste. Simply stated, my news family is gone. All those unseen faces whose words each day make me laugh, or think or cry. Never again to invite D.F. (Dave), Rebecca or Uncle Milty to morning coffee. Gone, kaput.
Yet hope prevails. This is America and when things go wrong here, the government can fix it. Raise my taxes, issue a block grant, but please don’t deny me access to my favorite news.
As a geographically disabled victim, I have little choice but to demand the immediate construction of an information on-ramp for all those like me. Remember, we have rights, too! (But still no papers.)
xxxx