04/16/2006: "Tom, Can You Say "Independent"?"

To the Editor:

Under any other circumstance I would not respond to a letter of the nature of Tom Munsey's letter: ""The Republican's Grand Plan""

Tom unfortunately undermines the credibility of his case against those who do not see the world in the same way as he does when he (by subtraction) names me as a "right-wing columnist". Anyone who knows anything about my opinions on virtually all the many topics he vents on will be as surprised as I was to see me, a lifelong political independent, awarded that particular appellation.

If there is anything that my friends and acquaintances on both the right and the left know about me, it is how the opinions I express can either please or irritate one or the other of them when discussing a topic traditionally heavily imbued with partisan political knee-jerk rhetoric.

Political rhetoric is a poor substitute for intelligent discussion. This is the greatest weakness of all political parties who have an unduly high propensity to view everything about them through all too narrow a lens.

I write this response only to dissipate if not dismiss any impression among those who do not know me that I am as Tom, albeit indirectly, describes. I prefer to be heard according to what I have to say rather by how others may wish to brand me.

Stephen Robins
Politically Independent Columnist in a publication that has demonstrated a refreshing willingness to carry a broad spectrum of commentary, political and otherwise.