Message From The Publisher
Wednesday - July 12, 2006
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I write this in the way of an apology to our readers and customers. I am referring to a recent MidWeek article that utilized the term “haole” insensitively and without significant meaningful purpose to the article subject. I am also referring to letters we published responding to a letter writer who took issue with the article and use of the term “haole rot” to describe a skin fungus.
The seemingly cavalier use of the term and subsequent letters were offensive and have no place in our publication. While we take great pride in allowing for controversial views and responses to those views, we also have great responsibility in providing such material without condoning thoughtlessness and hatred.
I extend our editors great latitude because they have an exemplary record of doing things right. In this case, the envelope was pushed to the point of poor judgement. The intent was to continue offering an open letters forum that would stimulate “buzz” and more letters.
Instead it became a platform for senseless personal retaliation. As publisher, I take responsibility for these actions and commit to all of you vigilance that will not waiver. Our circulation, our reach and our readership demand it.
I cannot erase what has been done, but I can thank those of you who contacted us to point out the disservice of our actions. We rely on your feedback and the fact that you care about what you read in MidWeek testifies that we are truly the people’s newspaper. - Ron Nagasawa
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