4th Generation Atheist

You're making way more sense than the letter writer is (tho I realize that isn't saying much.... )

I think it's almost certain that this story was just made up at some point in the chain of information, or there was a misunderstanding involving a crucial detail like with your little girl and the milk. Most especially the Frankenstein theory for the origin of humanity gives this away.

As to what went on with the kid who heard a teacher was an atheist, I'd have no clue. It was only a year and a half ago that I found out what an insult others think that word is. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

One of the last sane

That sucks.
Still, it puts me in mind of one girl who making all sorts of Xian objections to evolution in science class when I was in school. The teacher just sighed and cut her off saying "Well you can believe in creation if you like, Dianne, but you will be tested on your knowledge and understanding of evolution. Do you want a passing grade or not?"
"Yes."
"Well you'd better concentrate on learning this stuff then hadn't you?"
Shut her up real fast.

Buffman

beekay

I think many papers have a policy of "print it as-is."

Sorry! I know of no legitimate paper that has such a policy. Look closely! I believe you will find that the publisher always retains the right to edit letters on the "Opinion/Viewpoint" pages. (Usually for space/content. That's the way they protect themselves from libel. Politicians and other public figures will often seek a defamation of character claim based on the printed word.)

Of course they have the ultimate "big stick." They just don't print the letter. Is that censorship? Yes AND No! But that's a different issue.

beekay

Well, yes, you are correct ... to a point.

I work for a small-town newspaper and the policy on the opinions page is: "All letters are subject to editing for reasons of space, clarity, libel and taste. The News Herald reserves the right to accept or reject any letter submitted."

I need to go ask the editor what the actual policy is on simply cleaning up lousy writing as I have seen many letters with all sorts of errors in them published. He's not here today, but maybe someone else in the news room can help me out here. Keep in mind, though, that this is a small-town rag, and the big papers may take this matter more seriously. It also comes down to number of employees; don't know that our small news room has anyone to spare to clean up someone's letter.

So, anyways, yes, you are right about the paper having the right to edit letters, but to what extent? Does the paper exercise that right all the time?

Shake

HAHAHAHA! That's the best! Although fundies aren't really known for the great sense of humor.