I published a column on Monday. The rest of this column reflects on that, so if you did not read it, I encourage you to spend 5-6 minutes before you read the rest of this. Click HERE.
Monday’s effort took considerable time to compile, as there was a lot of fact-checking, some quotes to verify, and several topical areas addressed. It was gratifying to get the most feedback of any column since I’ve been publishing with WTVB. With all that feedback, mostly positive but not without criticism, I wanted to follow up.
I did hear you. I viewed all comments and “LIKEs” posted on WTVB’s website and I received many emails. I respond to all emails.
Thank you to all. I appreciate every form of feedback that I get. It is affirming to see that some people are interested in my columns, but I also welcome responses from those that are critical, as long as they are not profane (have had a few – I do not respond to those).
I love to write, and I work hard to produce quality work that could be thought-provoking to my audience. I would like to think I might impact a reader’s opinion occasionally, but I’m not naïve to partisan positions.
At the same time, I seek to learn and to see other points of view and to hear differing opinions. To that end, critical feedback allows me to explore other ideas, evaluate solutions presented by readers, and maybe even change my own view at times. If you take the time to read my work, I certainly should read your feedback. I do.
That being said, I want to assure my readers that I have heard you. And, since my column on “The American Monarchy” produced so much feedback, I wanted to list the critical responses (without edits and without names) and reply to those of you who were not thrilled with the points that I made.
“You always say what many of us think but don’t have the courage to say aloud. Thank you and keep writing!”
- OK, that was one I really liked. Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
“I think Mac should get more informed. The government has done this many times before. How did the drinking/smoking age get to 21? The same kind of threats, if you don’t we will cut funding. The government is not there to bailout states that can’t run the state properly. New Yorkers have every right to vote in who ever they feel is qualified. However something we seem to forget these days. Ever action has an equal or opposite reaction. I think the kids call it FAFO. So stop acting like this was just invented by our current President.”
- Let me assure you that I research my work. I view multiple networks, check reputable print sources, and verify and re-verify data integrity. I think you were most upset that I criticized President Trump for threatening to withhold federal funds if voters were to elect the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City. That information was completely accurate. My point was not whether voters should or should not elect any particular candidate, but that arbitrarily withholding federal funding in political retaliation for electing a Democrat is wrong (yes, that is an opinion). Those in power now would be wise to anticipate a future when they are not.
“Article is bias and misleading.”
- All I can say is that this is an opinion column; my job is to present viable opinions and to back them up with facts and evidence. I wouldn’t call my column “misleading” but it is one person’s opinion. I do take a side.
“Shameful article. Opinion based. Does WTVB allow other opinions to formulate on this platform? Would they allow and push a rebuttal to this nonsense.”
- Yes, it is opinion. Shameful? Nonsense? I’d argue that, but if you would like to refute my opinions click here: What Do You Think?, which was published on May 19, and where I offered exactly that solution to any reader willing to step up. I had only one reader express interest, but he was unwilling to attach his name to his work, which was a non-starter. So, I hope you’re still reading and that you reach out. You can write your own column, with zero editing from me. I’ll set it up for you.
Those were the negative comments from Monday’s column. There were five more, but all from a single reader, who got into a comment-battle with readers that disagreed with his views.
I hope you keep your comments coming, positive or negative. Please keep “Liking” my posts and email me anytime. I welcome all your feedback.
To communicate well, listen hard. I hear you.
Curt MacRae, a resident of Coldwater, MI, publishes regular opinion columns.
To be notified by email when a column is published, or to offer feedback email rantsbymac@gmail.com
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