Today I got a call from a Post Dispatch sales person wanting me to extend and expand my subscription (I get only the weekend papers now). I said I was not interested in subscribing any more because the paper's managers fired Sylvester Brown. I told him I thought the paper was totally wrong to do that and it was unforgivable. I feel sorry for the sales people. They have to make a living too, but I will not support a company that behaves in such a sleazy, back-handed way. I will start reading Sylvester's blog. From what I've heard, hard copies of newspapers are on the way out anyway. -- Susan Cunningham
Comments
Like so many others, I was very upset to learn that you were no longer writing at the Post-Dispatch, due to a very unfair decision by the management.
I love your columns because you are one of the few journalists in St. Louis not afraid to tell it like it is about our government and our elected officials. But you also listened thoughtfully and respectfully to those who disagreed with you and sung the praises of those who are trying to create change and are not recognized nearly enough.
I want to thank you for inspiring so many young people. You will be happy to know that one of the young men at YouthBuild St. Louis that you mentored, Marcus, is doing well. He is working two jobs and has come a long way towards a happy and productive life. He says that your guidance really helped him. The exciting Bill Cosby event that you spearheaded and hosted is another example of the positive impact you have had on St. Louis.
Sylvester, I look forward to reading your books and future articles and learning of your next venture in producing the kind of journalism/writing that this country so desperately needs.
I remain one of your greatest fans,
Joyce Sonn
I was dumbfounded when I saw the tease for your news conference on TV last week. I am so sorry for you that the Post-Dispatch made the terrible decision to let you go. What on earth is the paper thinking?? As your self-professed biggest fan in Sullivan, Missouri, I am just at a loss.
Keep up the good fight. For what it's worth, after I expressed my view that your firing was a huge loss for both StL and the P-D on "Donnybrook Your Turn" last Thursday, two patrons of the Sullivan Public Library (where I am the director) made special trips in to tell me how much they agreed with my call.
My family and I look forward to you finding your next gig and hope it is in St. Louis. Your ability to express your views has expanded mine. Best of luck and thanks a lot for the years of columns!
Sincerely, Mark Smith /Sullivan, MO
Lisa Granich-Kovarik