Do you think letters to the editor in newspapers have an impact?

[FakeNoose]

18. The editors don't always print letters they receive

It's possible that your newspaper has a new policy to print dissident letters that they don't necessarily agree with. I hope that's the case, but there's no guarantee it will continue. For example the owner/publisher can decide to fire the editor who goes against company policy, and hire an obedient toady to replace him or her.

I have found that many newspapers have less control over the comments that get posted online at the newspaper's website. Comments online tend to be more liberal than what's printed in the paper, however the Repuke commenters are also ruder and more aggressive online. So take that with a grain of salt, and always protect your privacy online. (Liberal-sounding comments should never have your real name on the post.)