Ken's easy ten-step method for writing letters to the editor

Dear Friends:

In response to requests for tips on writing letters to the editor of newspapers, I have set out the suggested ten-step method below. It is intended to be used to respond to any editorial or article. However, the examples used are pertinent to the issue immediately at hand, namely, Israeli apartheid against Palestinians and Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

Ken

Here are the ten easy steps:

STEP 1) start by referring to the editorial thus:

re: "caption of editorial or article", name of publication (underlined), date of publication, page #

STEP 2) Salutation:

Editor (actual name not required),

Name of publication.

Dear Sir/Madam:

STEP 3) Pick ONLY one aspect of the editorial or article about which you wish to write. In 300 words, you don't have space for more.

STEP 4) Start off with your thesis (main argument),

e.g., a) I was appalled with the assertion that "(quote from the editorial or article relating to the denial of the existence of apartheid in Israel)."

or

b) I strongly disagree the contention that recent demonstrations condemning Israel's war crimes in Gaza were characterized by anti-semitic intentions or remarks. (If possible, use an actual quotation from the article or editorial.)

or

c) The real purpose of the editorial/article/column is to silence any criticism of Israel.

or

d) I found the editorial/article/column to be Orwellian. Clearly, the writer seeks to limit our right to free speech.

STEP 5) Write two or three paragraphs explaining your views, using examples and/or short quotes,

e.g.

a) No less authorities than former US president Jimmy Carter and South African anti-apartheid leader, Bishup Tutu, have termed Israel's treatment of the Palestinians as apartheid...

or

b) A number of countries, such as Spain and Germany, are currently investigating Israel's military for crimes in Gaza under the Fourth Geneva Convention. And so is the United Nations...

Focussing on the comments of a few isolated persons out of tens of thousands of demonstrators who attended well-organized demonstrations demanding an end to the Israeli massacre in Gaza is irresponsible...

or

c) Why don't we hear from your editor/writer/columnist when Isreal (Canada, US) refuses to recognize the legitimate Hamas government of Gaza (and the West Bank) in a fair and democratic election in 2006, when it closes Gaza's borders to shipments of food and medical supplies for a million and half people, when it breaks a truce by assassinating Hamas militants, when it tests banned weapons (phosphorus and "dime" bombs) on civilian targets, when it shells UN compounds...

or

d) The fact that hate-crimes charges were not laid by Hamilton police, arising out of Israeli Anti-Apartheid Week at McMaster last year, indicates that the organizers focussed on racist policies of the Israeli state against Palestinians, and not on anti-semitic name-calling...

The idea that some people should carry video cameras to record every word said at pro-Palestinian events is meant to have a chilling effect on free speech...

STEP 6) Write a catchy, short, last paragraph, if possible,

e.g., White-only rule was partially toppled in South Africa by a worldwide anti-apartheid movement. The same is necessary to defeat apartheid in Israel.

or

Except for Israel, Canada, and the US, the world community is almost unanimous: Israel has broken international law on hundreds of occasions regarding the Palestinians and has been overwhelmingly condemned for it at least sixty times in the past sixty years by the United Nations. It is time for this situation to end.

or

After Israel's recent masasacre in Gaza, you can count on more, not less, criticism of Israel from Jews and non-Jews alike.

or

Freedom of speech is an important element of our democracy. Even if exposing the ugly reality of official Israeli racism and war crimes against Palestinians may be painful to some, it is perfectly legal and an important element of Canadian political discourse.

STEP 7) Précis your work. That means to cut out every superfluous word you can. Use one word instead of two or three. Abbreviate (UN, USA). Use contractions like "don't", instead of "do not". The editors (and you) will count the number of words on your "tools" drop-down menu.

STEP 8) Have someone read and edit your letter.

STEP 9) Don't delay. Send it in. Newspapers have deadlines.

STEP 10) If you're really pushy, like me, phone the editor and make sure he/she received your letter. If they claim not to have, send it again! Ask when it will be printed. If they say they won't, volunteer to rewrite it to make it acceptable. Ask for their direction.

Bonne chance!

Ken