Election-related deadline is Oct. 24 for letters to the editor

The General Election is fast approaching, judging by the seemingly non-stop television attack ads that say little about anything other than sling mud at an opponent.

The saddest part of the mudslinging, to me, is it causing everyday voters from taking an active interest in the election other than to become disgusted with the content of the ads and the general hostility of the candidates.

Civility went the way of the dodo bird when it comes to politics. Maybe it's always been that way, but back in the 1800s the candidates battled back and forth in speeches and newspaper stories; they didn't have so many mediums for their attack ads to be blasted at us in a seemingly endless manner.

Maybe back in the 1800s the candidates merely picked up dueling pistols and settled their disputes. Now they blast each other with words, innuendo, distortions and half-truths, which in some perverse way actually might be more cowardice.

I used to refer to elections as the "silly season," but it's gotten far too vile to be taken so lightly.

And, with the election fast approaching, we need to remind writers of letters to the editor of our guidelines on election-related letters.

"The Parkersburg News and Sentinel will publish election-related letters through Sunday, Nov. 4. To be considered for publication, all letters must be received by the newspaper by Wednesday, Oct. 24. To be considered for publication, a letter must contain the writer's complete address and phone number. This information is not for publication, but is used for verification purposes. Because of the number of letters expected during this time, writers are asked to be as brief as possible. No letter longer than 400 words will be published, and shorter letters are appreciated. Letters sent electronically will be given priority. No personal attacks will be permitted."

Letters can be emailed to editorial@newsandsentinel.com or placed on the virtual newsroom at www.newsandsentinel.com.