Dear Memphis Commercial Appeal

This is an open letter.

The above is not for my loyal readers and friends. You folks are smart enough to figure that out.

The opening line is for the idiots that run the Commercial Appeal.

I may have to draw them some stick figures.  We'll see.

Dear Memphis Commercial Appeal,

It's with a great deal of displeasure I'm writing this. What once was a great newspaper, is slowly dying a horrible death. In the last 20 years I've called Memphis my home. When I moved here in 1991, I was pleased to see the quality of your product. You had some of the most gifted writers and editors on your staff. Agree or disagree, the newspaper always made its point well known.

In the last five years all that has changed.

In the name of profit ratio, your owners have gutted the paper.

Even in its reduced state you still had some gems. Geoff Calkins and Michael Donahue were then, and are now, two of the best at their craft.

Lose either of them and you may as well torch the building as you finally shut down.

Yesterday you laid off 9 people just in time for Christmas.

Nice job, you fucks.

One of those was Jen Simmons. I like Jen. I find her among the most interesting folks I've met. Maybe you guys should have taken the time to actually read her writing. She brought a fresh point of view to your paper. Her enthusiasm was catching and it made your product a little more hip.

I guess that wasn't enough.

She's a smart young lady and she'll land on her feet.

Make sure you folks in charge repeat that over the holidays. It'll make you feel better as you count your shekels.

When I'm in town, I make it a point to purchase a copy of your newspaper every morning.

Well, I used to.

Geoff, Michael, I love your guys' work. However, in good faith, I can no longer support your employer. The "bean counters" are killing what was once one of the best newspapers in the South. Throwing a young talent like Jen to the curb is just too much.

She made the paper better.

Her "thanks" was being tossed out the door just in time for Christmas.

Scripps Media, do me a favor. Drop the "Media" from your corporate name. Toilet paper has more of a "media" feel than your newspaper does.

Lionel Linder must be rolling over in his grave.

You "bean counters" probably don't remember him.

Maybe you should.

He'd have stood up for Jen and the others.

Count me among your former customers.

Merry Fucking Christmas/Hanuhkah/Kwanza or whatever you soulless bastards celebrate.

I'm sure you're celebrating your latest fucking "cost savings".

Fuck you and all the newspapers you're killing.

Assholes.

I urge each and all of you to not support what's left of the local rag.

I'll understand if you still do so.

Geoff and Michael have families and lifestyles to support.

Then again, so does Jen.

Follow your morals, folks.

I know I will.

Until the next time, all y'all take care of yourselves.

Air Traffic Mike, ret.