Gary, in the 8/14 News Views column you made reference to a letter that appeared in the Times-Union earlier in the week. While you paraphrased instead of making a direct quote, you seemed genuinely surprised that this writer had misrepresented the facts.
Perhaps you should read more of the letters your paper prints. I think you would find that this is not an uncommon occurrence. If you had software that could reject letters that misrepresent facts the writer you are alluding to would never be published. What a joy that is to consider.
In some respects I almost feel that this particular individual should be congratulated on his vocabulary, his spelling ability and general use of the language. He is to be commended for the conviction that comes through in his diatribes. There are times when despite the flawed thinking and lack of or distortion of facts in the remarks I would almost be tempted to agree. However, agreeing with the vitriol presented would only make me appear as biased and out of touch with reality as the presenter.
Like you, Gary, I know as I write this that no amount of rational thought or reason will change this person's mind. Frankly, I don't care what he writes in the future because I have already learned to discount it. The only reason I write this is to put a small pinprick into the pomposity of the ego that believes anyone would really care about what he thinks.
If, however, unbeknownst to me, senility plays any role in the preparation and presentation of these letters my sympathy goes out to the Betances family.
