One of the first items we turn to is Derrick Mason’s Long Blows. We love his humour, his dedication to his community and some of his politics. We don’t agree with all his opinions but my wife and I don’t agree with each other all the time either. We would hate to see his considered opinions stifled because his political views offend some people.

A town like Boorowa needs more Derrick Masons who question and praise when either is needed, irrespective of their political persuasion but who get in and work for their community. I seem to remember the ALP also being recipients of Mr Mason’s measured but sometimes humorous criticism

I would really be concerned if the Boorowa News was lacking in impartiality to the degree evident in the Murdoch Press, an organisation that Mr Bruce may feel more comfortable with. In the few years we have subscribed to the Boorowa News I don’t remember seeing Mr Bruce’s name in the paper as being active in community events. I could be wrong and will watch more closely in the future. Mr Bruce when you give as much to Boorowa as Mr Mason appears to do, then I will happily defend you too, irrespective of your political affiliations

Yours sincerely

David Bales - Wyoming