The text may be too small to read, here it is:

The Legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren and this great nation is crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last.

I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principals and support  the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God.

Billy Graham

Dear Everyone at Edmonds Beacon:

I wanted to personally congratulate you all for your terrible choice to allow Billy Graham to blatantly advertise his personal beliefs and values in your new [sic] paper.

I understand that in today’s World of Technology it’s difficult to keep your outdated and sub-par print media paper going, but to stoop to that level?

You should be ashamed of yourself. For what ever minimal fee that hateful bigot paid you, you are going to loose ten-fold.

I am personally writing to each and every company that continues to advertise with your paper, expressing my distaste of their choice to advertise with your paper. And will not give them a dime of my business.

For those who had a hand in this, shame on you. You’ve ruined what little reputation you had.  For those of you who didn’t play a part in this, I’d highly suggest you update your resume and seek employment elsewhere.

It breaks my heart that I’m going to have to tell my special needs paper boy that I will no longer need his delivery service of the Edmonds Beacon.

I’ll let you try to explain to him why people don’t want your paper anymore and why I’m not paying him $2 a month anymore.

With a saddened heart and complete loss of respect,

Derick Evans

Edmonds

Beacon Publisher Paul Archipley responds:

Dear Mr. Evans,

Thank you for your comments. I'm sorry you don't appear to believe in a centuries-old political philosophy that everyone should have the right to communicate their opinions and ideas, no matter how disagreeable or repugnant to others.

Of course, you're no doubt aware that our country's forefathers decided the Bill of Rights should begin with what is perhaps our most important right, that of speech, press, religion and petition.

One of my favorite quotes, attributed to Voltaire, states: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

I believe that is the kind of democratic and free country most of us would prefer in America. Censorship has no place here. Consequently, we would be happy to publish your letter, no matter how repugnant or disagreeable others may find it.

Sincerely,

Paul Archipley

Publisher