A Lack of Sensitivity
The use of the word “illegal” as used by the Santa Barbara News-Press in an article is not offensive in itself. The problem is its correct use. It has to do with sensitivity and even intelligence.
One would think that our own town paper would be more attuned to the feelings of the population it serves.
The paper has had a very fragile relationship with Santa Barbara from the beginning of the new ownership. It is still not accepted by a major part of the city’s population and continues putting its foot in its mouth. Not very good for public relations and very bad for business.
I have just read the paper feels the issue is one of freedom of expression, and it mentioned people in Thailand who support the paper. This is not a freedom of expression issue; it is an issue of lack of sensitivity and of very poor editorial acumen. The paper needs support here in Santa Barbara, not there. And, by the way, it is almost silly to mention, I have been very dissatisfied by the coverage of news, the editorials, and the lack of objectivity of the News-Press. Too bad, because we do need a paper that keeps the local news avilable with better journalism and without political distortions.
