Beware, the snowman is in town

This is in response to the letter "Tedious...tiresome!" of July 16, a wimp of a letter, with some disgusting content.

Freedom of expression is invoked, albeit sarcastically, but the writer does not find it odd or perverse to hide behind anonymity, as if mortally afraid of the freedom to express.

The letter has a strange rationale: pet peeve of a few fogies (old-timers). They claim to have watched The Jakarta Post grow from a toddler into a giant. Perhaps that makes them feel presumptuous, and that their peeve should count for a lot. Does anyone have the right to override the editor's decision to publish a letter? No.

Those who don't like particular letters should skip them. A letter, however much disliked, should not make anyone a coward.

Unmindful of decency, the letter names persons without telling them who has trashed them. Perhaps it means that the person has a reason for hiding. Does he? Surely there is no fear of being challenged to a duel or being ambushed.

Post, you are also at fault. You are too indiscriminate and indulgent with your "name and address known to Editor"; to such an extent that you forget your duty to protect your letter writers from low-blows and stabs in the back. Watch out. Otherwise, more venomous trash will pour in and make a mockery of your protection.

Lastly, perhaps the letter reminded readers of the yeti, just as unseen and surviving behind anonymity, as the elusive letter writer. The snow-capped Himalayan mountains are his abode. None have seen him but he leaves footprints in the snow. He is supposedly ugly and mean looking. The sherpas, who have seen the footprints, call him the "abominable snowman".

G.S. EDWIN

Jakarta