To The Reader’s Forum:

When I am reading some of the rude, disrespectful comments at the end of both news and opinion articles in the online version of this paper, I can’t help but wonder if some of them wouldn’t be taken as ‘warning signs’ if their authors were to ever commit a violent crime. I see these comments most commonly with issues regarding politics and guns. Actions speak louder than words but words do count and can take on a life of their own once in print. Civil discourse is important, especially when tackling complicated, emotion-charged issues. Keeping a level head is also important when communicating, including the folks we disagree with.

Margaret FitzGibbon

Westfield