TODAY'S LETTERS: Hiroshima Bomb Pilot, Newspaper Circulation

By: E&P Staff Readers wrote in today about 'Hiroshima Bomb' Pilot Paul Tibbets and newspaper circulation.


On the Death of 'Hiroshima Bomb' Pilot Paul Tibbets

I have just read your story about Tibbits passing and once again, find that your generation has no idea what we were up against during the Second World War. Because your generation has grown up in PEACE 'earned' by these brave heros, you are free to sit in your office and pontificate.

I remember that war and I remember when the bomb was dropped. We finally were at peace... no more killing, no more loss, no more tears, gold stars and maybe could begin to heal.

I honor Paul W. Tibbets for his valor, bravery, leadership and yes, guts to fulfill his mission. It ended the war. He is a hero. You sir, are not able to judge this without the deeply understanding of the terrible price that this country paid.

You are destroying our country by trying to make it look bad. You are finding fault where there is none. You are just not too smart, even if you have a degree, a position. You are adding nothing, give nothing, you are
worth nothing.

Lois Jesek

Thanks for the great article on Tibbets. It is the only article I have read on the subject that contains new and unique information.

Todd


Thank God for men like Paul Tibbets, who, despite any moral quandries ordinary men may have, saw through it all and accomplished the mission that helped end the most horrible episode in human history.

May later generations be ever grateful to him.

Duncan R. MacLachlan
Grand Rapids, Mich.


Traffic Jam: Users at Newspaper Sites Still On Rise

I am 50 plus and was an avid daily reader of newspapers since I was seven years old.

Over the last 20 years, however, I have noticed that newspapers have less and less value as an objective source of news because both the news stories and editorials read about the same, Democrat talking points, and far left ones at that. 4 years ago, I finally cancelled by subscription since I was tired of the preaching. I also cancelled Newsweek and Time Magazine after subscribing 25 years. I note that I never see in any newstories describing the print media's current woes the loss of subscribers due to media bias.

I am not alone in my reaction. I have 4 neighbors who have also cancelled because of bias. I guess if it's more comforting for the print media to pin their misfortune on the growth of the internet, so be it. But it is not the whole story.

I would re-subscribe to a newspaper in a New York minute if the print media returned to a more balanced format rather than serving as an echo chamber for left-wing views.

Very truly yours,

Thomas McFadden
Chicago


The article cites absolute numbers in determining the overall health, or lack thereof, of print journalism. Certain newspapers, including the Houston Chronicle, had minimal losses in circulation.

A more meaningful assessment might be provided by evaluating circulation per 10,000 or 100,000 population in the subscription coverage area. In growing population centers, such as Houston, a small decline may not reflect a greater loss in percentage of the potential market.

Similarly, a loss in a declining population center, may reflect stability in the subscribers per 10,000 population. Advertisers, understandably, want to pay based on absolute numbers, and the trickle down loss of revenue may have a negative impact on the paper, if it is not otherwise replaced. The paper, as an entity, may be holding its own under circumstaces beyond its control.


I hope that your group will consider this approach in future evaluations.


Emmett Stevens