To the Editors:

Just a quick, albeit long overdue note of thanks.

Over the last few months, I’ve received messages from residents in Barton, Stafford, Rush, and Russell counties -- friends and strangers alike, who read my opinion pieces in the Great Bend Tribune. Proof that local papers are very relevant, and highly effective. 

As you can imagine, I received the positive feedback. I’m sure you received the negative messages. 

We live in an age where free speech is once again under attack. Those attacks aren’t just waged by political operatives. Private citizens, who simply don’t like an opposing opinion, have begun insisting that anything standing in opposition to their liking be “cancelled.” It’s a dangerous precedent. 

While you might not always have agreed with everything I wrote, I commend the courage you exhibited by publishing my work. Thank you for standing up for free speech when far too many publications are bowing under pressure.

This note is not to suggest that I will be slowing down anytime soon. Though I am currently writing not one, but two books that have been accepted for publication, and the bulk of my time is spent researching and writing, I am still keeping a watchful eye on current events. My weekly commentaries will continue. As always, you’re welcome to publish them as you see fit. 

Be assured of my gratitude and good wishes.

Regards. 

J. Basil Dannebohm