We try to run every letter to the editor we receive, as I’ve stated in past blogs. But some letters, for varying reasons, must be rejected.

One of those instances is when a letter becomes too personal.

The Opinion Page is meant as a means for The Oakland Press readers to express their views. Some times their opinions can be based on personal experiences and that’s just fine. But other times, personal accounts aren’t appropriate.

For example, we received a letter from man who supported the Wall Street reform bills in Congress. One of the reasons he said he was for the legislation was that he had lost $160,000 in retirement funds because of the stock market crash a few years ago. He was upset that while average citizens, like himself, saw their modest retirement nest eggs vanish, top executives in the banks and mortgage companies were receiving million-dollar bonuses.

Although he was relating a personal experience, what happened to him was similar to what happened to millions of Americans, including thousands right here in Oakland County. And, he was commenting on a spending political issue. So, his personal story and lettered expressed views that probably thousands of residents hold. Also, he was urging passage of the bills, so he didn’t keep the letter completely personal. Consequently, it was appropriate for us to run.

However, some letters focus too much on the writer. For example, there was a letter from a man who had lost his job and eventually was evicted from his apartment. The man was basically issuing a plea for help.

While we sympathized with him, the letter was not suitable for the Opinion Page. He had made it too personal. All we could do was suggest he contact social services.
Admittedly, it’s a judgment call. Some people may feel we should have published the letter highlighting this man’s plight. But sometimes its better to allow an individual some privacy, even if they don’t initially seem to want it.
Remember, often letters get responses — and sometimes not very positive ones. To publish the man’s letter and name would have put him up for not only sympathy but also scrutiny and possible scorn.

Like I said, it’s a judgment call.