Letters to the editor

I like to read Letters to the Editor in the newspaper. Local television and radio stations don’t have a similar outlet for those with an opinion.

Internet sites often have a Comments section which allows opinions to be expressed and shared with relative anonymity. Few people read my site, and fewer leave comments, which means that few have opinions that differ with mine. It’s good to know I’m in the mainstream among great thinkers.

Most letters to the editor, and many comments left by readers on web sites, are complaints. It seems as if there are plenty of disgruntled people in the world.

These letters are interesting. Some complain about specific bills passed or considered by the state legislators. Another said the state lawmakers have to make life easier for doctors in Hawaii so they won’t leave. I don’t imagine it’s easy being a doctor but I don’t see any that look hungry.

A couple of other letters to the editor complained about tipping. One said that members of the military shouldn’t need to tip. Another said it’s time to end tipping by paying people a decent wage. I never leave a tip for the clerk at Macy’s or someone who works at McDonald’s, so why is it necessary to tip at restaurants?

Somehow or another it has become a combination custom and obligation to tip at restaurants. Why?

See? That’s the beginning of a Letter to the Editor.