Dec 16, 2012 2 min read

Complaining is normal and has been since the caveman was unfavorable that his mate burnt his dinner over the fire. The “letters to the editor” writers are labeled as complainers by those that don’t express their thoughts openly in this literal manner.

This approach of complaining is interesting and well received positively and negatively. Those that don’t submit their thoughts are simply well reserved or fearful of subjecting themselves to ridicule — unless they have six beers for encouragement. People deserve the reverence that have the guts to vent their opinions tactfully.

I recall an experience during the last election at my poll. I took the bull by the horns and complained about the lengthy waiting time and why there were only two voting machines available for an abundance of people.

I was told sarcastically to “Quit complaining and deal with it.” It was by an individual of the black race. My immediate thoughts were, “You’ve gotta be kidding me.” This particular person’s heritage has been complaining forcefully for 150 years with her complaints as well since 1960. She had the impudence to tell me quit complaining and “Deal with it.” My Lord, I only complained for 10 seconds, not 150 years. A sensible gentle reply to someone upset will pacify that person. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

“Letters to the editor” will get negative feedback. Just do so with an educated tactful critique without mentioning one’s name distastefully which lends itself to personal insult and set one’s teeth on edge. Critics are to a person’s opinion like maggots are to a dead animal. Distasteful critics are intolerable.

I consider myself an editorial complainer and at times considerably humorous. On the other hand, there are types that are consistently the nobility of feedback moaners and groaners. I’d rather be a complainer than a crying revengeful warbler.

Gary Shaporka

Jefferson Twp.