What would peace on Earth and goodwill toward men look like?
In these combative times, it’s hard to imagine.
On Monday, The Daily Herald staff is hoping to remove some rancor from our corner of the world. We will be closing public comments on our website, Heraldnet.com, until early January — or, perhaps, longer.
A few dozen Heraldnet users seem to fixate on our comments space as if it’s a video game, captivated by the sniping, potshots and detonations. Pow. Bang. Boom.
If you pay attention to those comments, you’ve probably felt perplexed, distressed, enraged (or all of the above). There is little peace, goodwill or civility.
Here is our wish for habitual commenters:
Embrace the season. Use the hours you’ve been spending on social critiques to reconnect with friends and loved ones who don’t hear from you enough. Channel your argumentative energy into caring for yourself, your family and our community.
Public comments were meant to broaden and enrich civic discussions. Until we can get back on that track, The Daily Herald is taking a break.
Send email to Executive Editor Neal Pattison at npattison@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
- You can tell us about news and ask us about our journalism by emailing newstips@heraldnet.com or by calling 425-339-3428.
- If you have an opinion you wish to share for publication, send a letter to the editor to letters@heraldnet.com or by regular mail to The Daily Herald, Letters, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206.
- More contact information is here.
