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Letters: Should We Write Them?

© Donna L. Quesinberry

Fourth Estate Guardians (FEGs) may have strong sentiment and opinions that cover an expanse of topics. When they are employed in the service of writing for others FEGs find they may not have the ability to express their emotions and|or experience to a readership. Reason being, as an employed writer in the services of government agencies, publications, and|or private enterprises the range and scope of their presentation in writing is often pre-ordained.

In the presentation of journalistic copy the FEG has to remain neutral in their presentation of a storyline. It is important that they remain true to their journalistic nature and calling. It is important to allow the story to present itself and for the readership to make independent determinations. The same is true for all publicative works where the writer is consigned to produce written work. In order to earn a fair and adequate wage, most FEGs do perform consigned products from time to time. It is not uncommon as a writer to have feast or famine earnings; resulting in consignment or stringing of energies (freelance writing).

When the FEG holds their own sentiments and opinions at bay~opting to present the premise of contract pieces~they harbor ideals that may prove of merit to the community at large. Their ideals may be the result of much research and a resultant understanding of specific topics that exceeds that of a layperson or the readership. A way to deliver these ideas is through letters. We know that the written word carries enough importance that people take time from their lives in order to reflect on the message presented. Letters are an excellent way to share your experience in an open venue without the need for reportability. Some opinions are meritable and assistful to all those who have opportunity to reflect on them. And, letters may result in proactive change within certain environments.

Most FEGs realize that writing letters can result in the author being included on specific watchlists. The Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation (a respected institution) does maintain letters files where frequent letter writers are posted for potential further scrutiny. This sometimes disways an author from posting too many letters. If however, you are not diswayed from writing a letter than employ your right to do so. You may find it comforting to note that many "famous authors" have been included on watchlists. Some famous authors who have written letters include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Vincent van Gogh, John Keats, George Washington, and Walt Whitman among others.

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