GRANTS PASS, Or. (1-28-03) -- "Activists may have been factor in attacks against system," screams the headline in the January 23, 2003 Daily Courier editorial by Editor Dennis Roler. It reads, "Jack Harelson stands accused of trying to have five people, including a judge and police officer, killed. Brian and Ruth Christine are in prison for taking their children from state workers at gunpoint." The headline suggests that unnamed so-called local activists misled the mentioned persons and they continue to pose a threat to the community.

Editor Roler uses frightening words such as "violence" and "threatening the lives" in his editorial, further elevating the specter of violence this unnamed "group" may cause to be unleashed upon the community at anytime. As responsible newspapermen, the Daily Courier’s President John Voorhies and Publisher Dennis Mack must immediately release the names of this dangerous "group" to which they allude. The readers of the influential Courier have a right to know to whom the paper is referring. To do otherwise would be an unconscionable disservice to the community.

Or is this just another sensational journalistic attempt to publicly taint and silence all that dare criticize those in taxpayer funded public positions? If the Courier prints the names and proof of wrongful acts by these alleged dangerous activists with proof, it is vindicated. If Mr. Voorhies and Mack are unwilling or unable to do this, then it will be seen as an attempt to smear the reputations of good citizens and silence free speech. Which will it be?