Viewpoint: Keep paper’s focus on the hobby
Wikipedia defines “numismatics” as “the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects.” In your “Letters” and “Viewpoint” departments, there have been a growing number of letters and viewpoints which appear to be outside the definition of “numismatics.”
By: Edward Meyers
Wikipedia defines “numismatics” as “the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects.”
In your “Letters” and “Viewpoint” departments, there have been a growing number of letters and viewpoints which appear to be outside the definition of “numismatics.”
Does the definition of numismatics include health care reform? Does the definition of numismatics include prayer in school? Does the definition of numismatics include keeping the word God in the Pledge of Allegiance? How does the definition of numismatics pertain to the deficit, taxation or reducing gasoline prices? Does the definition of numismatic have anything to do with bullion deposits to IRAs? Does numismatics proclaim Ronald Reagan America’s greatest President? Does numismatics prove that relative to 1934, the current U.S. dollar is only worth $.02?
Voltaire said, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” I have always agreed with the notion that within reason, Americans have the First Amendment right to say just about anything.
However, I have also found that every publication sets limits on what it will or will not publish.
I am asking you, Dave Harper, to consider restricting letters and viewpoints published to only those that completely relate to numismatics. No doubt that you will have to read carefully as many writers begin letters with ephemeral numismatic references, only to go off on political and personal harangues that are completely inappropriate to your fine paper. You should also consider not publishing letters where writers refuse to give an address as this seems more and more related to paranoia rather than protection of numismatic assets.
The name of your paper is the Numismatic News. Persons who want to rant about politics and other preoccupations have a myriad of other publications, websites and blogs that are more than happy to accommodate them.
Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our FREE email newsletter![form id="27827"]
I know that I would rather read about recent new coins finds, treasure discoveries like silver coins found in change and rolls and any of the fascinating articles written by Paul M. Green. My guess is that the vast majority of your readers feel the same way.
Edward Meyers is a hobbyist from Jefferson City, Mo. Viewpoint is a forum for the expression of opinion on a variety of numismatic subjects. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Numismatic News. To have your opinion considered for Viewpoint, write to David C. Harper, Editor, Numismatic News, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990. Send email to david.harper@fwmedia.com.
More Coin Collecting Resources:
• Subscribe to our Coin Price Guide, buy Coin Books & Coin Folders and join the NumisMaster VIP Program
