Letter's topic was relevant and timely

Journalism is a career field built on time-proven principles and traditions, including those of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

According to my college textbook “News Reporting and Writing, 6th Ed.” by the Missouri Group from the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri (1999, p. 4-5), journalists evaluate writing pieces on their relevance, usefulness and interest.

My letter on Oct. 16, 2012, consisted of 12 points for voters to consider before voting for new government officials. With the election only three weeks away, the topic was relevant and timely. The letter was useful, as it encouraged people to think before voting. It was also interesting as many people responded by encouraging me and only a few contrary.

In our nation, individuals are guaranteed freedom of speech and newspapers are given freedom of the press by the Bill of Rights. Therefore, the Daily Bee and I have these privileges.

As for journalistic credibility, my associate’s degree in journalism and my more than 20 years of serving Jesus Christ, teaching Bible and trying my best to “practice what I preach” speak for themselves. Yet, I know that I’m far from perfection — just a sinner saved by the grace of God and the work Jesus Christ did on the cross at Calvary.

So Mr. Alford, is your Ph.D. in journalism? How can you prove your credibility?

ROBIN ULBREDTCH

Sandpoint