Disappointing decision

I am a 20-year-plus subscriber to The Spokesman-Review. Not publishing the Doonesbury cartoon last week was a mistake I was sorry to see you make.

We, the public, do not need to be protected from political debate and conflicting viewpoints. Political cartoons have a long and valued history in our society and have added value to our political dialogue. Comics and cartoons have long triggered appropriate debate on many issues.

I am disappointed that you feel comics cannot serve this purpose in Spokane. You are clearly sending the message that the Spokane public is not able or should not be exposed to, understand and discuss differing viewpoints expressed in diverse forums.

I find it irresponsible that you attempt to buttress support for your action by citing “other papers have also canceled.” I had thought better of your independent journalistic ethics and choices. To me this is a fundamental failure of your mission to serve your readers and also resonates with censorship.

Brenda Bodenstein

Spokane