'Post' Publishes Letter That Advocates Beheading Editors, Pundits

By: Joe Strupp Did The Denver Post go too far in publishing a letter to the editor today that advocates the beheading of editors, commentators, and politicians who have criticized the treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay? And how many other papers publish such sentiments?

According to Editorial Page Editor Jon Wolman, publishing such a letter is not out of bounds.

"Clearly, it is an extreme commentary and you might expect it reflects a strain of opinion that is out there," Wolman told E&P. "We make an editorial judgment. Is it too extreme for people to know that there is a strain of that commentary out there? Sadly, some people feel as strongly as the letter-writer."

The letter was written, ironically, by a resident of Littleton, Colo., site of the bloody Columbine High School shootings in 1999. It appeared to be in reaction to coverage of the recent kidnapping and murder of two U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

"Why have those who have continually howled at our treatment of prisoners at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo met the recent kidnapping and sadistic and brutal murders of our two young soldiers with deafening silence?" the letter began. "Where is your outrage now?" It then stated that the U.S. "should" behead 100 prisoners in retaliation, as well as " editors, commentators, college professors and left-wing congressmen who would suddenly break their silence to come out in support of these enemy jihadists. We need to stop listening to these sanctimonious hypocrites who apply the rules of war only to our side."

Wolman said he did not know what, if any, reaction the letter had prompted, but said, "I wasn't expecting anybody to be beheaded if that is what you are asking."

When asked if the letter sparked any discussion within the editorial page staff prior to its publication, Wolman said, "Oh sure. The decision was that there are extreme opinions out there and censuring them or pretending they don't exist wouldn't reasonably add to the debate."

Wolman would not specifically state the paper's standards for publishing letters, but said, "the decision to publish a letter like that reflects the realization that those feelings are running very high. Readers benefit from an exchange of views that touch a full range."

He then hinted that printing the letter might help temper the discussion by showing how extreme some views are getting. "If a person takes from that a step back and says, 'Holy cow, let's bring this down to Earth' that would be a good thing."

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Have other papers carried such letters? If you have seen examples -- or if you are an editor who wishes to discuss standards on the Letters page -- send us a note, at: letters@editoranpublisher.com