We live in a time when newspapers are more desperately needed than ever.

As a news story wends its way through its circuitous route toward publication, it passes through various filters. The first of these strainers is the writer, who gathers, organizes and verifies the most critical pieces that go into each story. That story goes to one or two, perhaps three editors and possibly the publisher as it flows toward the printed page we all read.

Some say these production steps constitute censorship. In the strictest sense of the word, they’re right. Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary defines the verb “censor” as “to examine, review, expurgate or change (literature, mail, etc.).” Writers and editors do this on a daily basis, removing inappropriate language, errors in fact, misspellings, etc. It’s a necessary part of the job.

Unfortunately, the raging torrent of social media to which we’re exposed 24/7 does not feature these guardrails. The internet relentlessly spews, spits and another verb beginning with “s,” which I’ll not use here, material moving at the speed of light in its never-ending search for unsuspecting users.

The newspaper is the solid rock of believable, verified, factual information to which we can cling as this ever-increasing, downward flood tries to carry us with it. I, for one, am extremely grateful to our local newspaper staff for trying to separate the wheat from the chaff. Thank you!

RICHARD WEHN,

Mikado Township