William Marvel: De-nomination

When controversial public issues warrant editorial dissection within a relatively small community, it's sometimes possible to make a point without mentioning anyone's name. Usually, pertinent individuals are readily identifiable, especially if their jobs have titles, but seeing one's own name printed in a news article or a column can be particularly jarring, and it's kinder to withhold that additional blow if feasible. The journalistic preference for naming names notwithstanding, I probably omit them more often when they belong to people whom I regret feeling the need to single out — but sometimes I will extend that gesture to those I don't particularly favor.

That subtle courtesy becomes confusing in protracted discussions, however, as it did in last week's letter to the editor from Jason Wood, M.Ed., an English teacher at Kennett High. Mr. Wood waxed so cryptically critical of my reaction to Ed Fayle's May 26 presentation to the Conway School Board that it probably baffled most readers. Clarification seems due.