LYNNE LYNCH'S MY TURN

After reading this letters defending Lynne Lynch, I had to write a letter in defense of Harlan Beagley. His decision to apologize for his paper's publication of Lynch's attack on the school district and to suspend the "My Turn" column was a good one, showing both courage and responsibility. Lynch's defenders portray this as a free speech issue or a suppression of "truth." It is neither. 

Lynne Lynch has a right to her own opinions. However, as an employee of the newspaper, she is responsible for maintaining a professional demeanor, and upholding the tone and standards of the Herald. Her column was unprofessional, and out of keeping with the light-hearted tone that "My Turn" has maintained during the five years I've been reading it.

"Truth" is not an issue here. There is no truth in spinning three minor transgressions into an attack on the entire school district. Her attack, based on observing part of a teacher's back, obscenity in a parking lot, and a pair of stained jeans, has nothing to do with "truth." She simply flew off the handle.

"Freedom of Speech" is not an issue here either, as her freedom of speech ended when she stepped into her place of employment. Lynch has a right to hold whatever opinions she likes, and to express them in public. However, like retail clerks, municipal workers and school teachers, she has the responsibility to censor herself while on the job. For reporters - professionals who work for a newspaper - a column is not a "public forum." I find it ironic that her main attack on the schools is people on campus show a lack professionalism - by using inappropriate language or wearing unprofessional clothing. The column she submitted goes beyond anything that she described in its lack of professionalism.

Steve Close

Moses Lake