Dear Editor:

One big thank you to Joe Gelarden for his June 16 column, “Ramblings from an old scribbler.” He informed us of decisions made by all Gannett’s chain of newspapers to save money lost due to the numbers of lost readers. Thinking no one was reading the editorials or believing opinion columns and letters to the editor, they would eliminate them.

Another big thank you for prompting our knowledge of America’s free speech and a free press promised in our First Amendment.

I was immediately reminded of two essays by E.B. White, “Freedom” and “Democracy,” both mind- and soul-stirring to me. I hope to encourage others to read or re-read them.

Make a big noise on July 4th!

Jean M. Howe

Newcastle