Paul Carroll: Rip job on Bernie Sanders unworthy of print

Re “Listen to Bernie Sanders and be afraid” (Page A11, July 11): I was disappointed to read the piece by Tribune columnist Jay Ambrose. Though it is correctly placed in the “Opinion” section, it only takes three sentences before the author writes of Bernie’s populist message: “It is a reckless, economically baffled, rich-person-hating, disruptive, freedom-stifling pile of endangerment.” Opinion is one thing, and I think we can all benefit from the exchange of opinions, but this is something else entirely – ranting, name-calling and vitriol.

I’m curious if the Sun-Star is contractually obligated to publish content from the Tribune Content Agency, or if there was an editorial decision to publish this hit-job? If the Sun-Star is simply desperate to fill space at minimal cost, let me know and I’d be happy to write more meaningful, respectful and balanced opinion pieces.

Bernie Sanders is one of the only candidates I’ve seen in a long time with both integrity and solid policies. People should check him out for themselves, not through any filter. I’m proud to be one of the quarter-million supporters who have contributed to the campaign – though it’s only $5 a month – it’s the tax I pay on keeping a little hope for the future.

Editor’s note: Conservative Jay Ambrose is one of several columnists who write on national topics available to the Sun-Star through Tribune Content Agency. The Sun-Star welcome commentary on local issues from its readers.

This story was originally published July 15, 2015 at 3:26 PM with the headline "Paul Carroll: Rip job on Bernie Sanders unworthy of print."