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It is almost commical how so many of the YDR readers write letters condemming the writings of YDR columnist Mike Argento. Folks, York County is lucky to have Mike, he is a spirited writer with immense talent, quite worthy of much larger publications than the YDR. The attacks on him remind me so much of the grumblings toward the old Gazette and Daily artist/cartonnist/opinionist Walter Partymiller and it's straight shooting, legendary publisher J.W. Gitt. Narrow minded Republicans of York County referred to the York Gazette and Daily as the "Red Rag."

We on the left endure constant "fair and balanced" (gee where have I heard that before) journalism printed by the YDR in the way of opinions by people like Michelle Malkin and Bill O'Reilly.

Readers have to realize Mike Argento is an opinion that some of us enjoy and some of us don't. If you don't, just don't read his stuff. It's as simple as that. It's part of journalism, so live with it!

Keith A. Oberdick
East Manchester Township

Mike Argento's evident compassion and intellect and skill need no defenders. But recent letters accusing him of hatefulness are so far off the mark that they require a response.

While not every humor-columnist employs sarcasm and irony as literary devices, many -- including Mr. Argento -- do so. It is a tradition that probably began before the written word, and includes such writers as Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and Mark Twain.

It is sad that there are some local residents who cannot laugh along with the rest of us.

Howard Long
York Township

I believe Amy Gulli has confused who the real victims are at Planned Parenthood and the astronomical difference between the medical procedure to evacuate a child who has already died in the womb and one who is alive and murdered in the womb through an intentional abortion. First of all I offer my condolences for the lives of the children Ms. Gulli lost due to miscarriage. Her grief bears witness of a mother's love for the children she has lost.

We must never forget that children killed intentionally through abortion are viable human beings. That is why those who stand outside Planned Parenthood have done so for many years now in snow, rain and heat . They continue to grieve as they pray because they know innocent human lives are being killed inside a few feet away. Little boys and girls whose lives will never be repeated again.

Both congratulations and my sympathy go out to Mike Argento for his touching and well-written story, "A greyhound like no other" (YDR 10/10/08). Anyone who has ever lost a companion animal can relate to the way only a pet, especially a dog or cat, can enrich our lives. Studies have shown how pets can lengthen and increase an individual's quality of life. There are projects linking troubled youth and prison inmates with the responsibility of working with dogs considered unadoptable, and as a result, providing the dog with a chance at a permanent home and a revised sense of pride and self respect for the trainer.

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In his column about false information being spread concerning the presidential election Leonard Pitts left out at least one very important lie. That is Barack Obama's position on The Second Amendment to The Constitution of The United States. He has consistently voted, and has frequently stated that he opposes both the ability to own (keep) some of the most common and useful firearms available to law-abiding citizens, and their ability to carry (bare) them for the protection of themselves and society. Yet he says he supports the "individual right", and makes statements Like, "I wont take your guns". Before the recent Supreme Court ruling concerning the D.C. gun ban was announced he stated that the ban was constitutional. That law banned all handguns and required that long guns be made unavailable in an emergency.

I'm writing in response to the column by Mike Argento on Sunday, July 27th. He began by mentioning the latest political T.V. ads. Then, as always, he fell into an extremely long winded attempt at humor by berating Starbucks' Baristas in the cheapest stereotypical way possible, finally landing head and shoulders above those who serve coffee for a living.

This morning I began my day as usual with a cup of coffee and the York Daily Record. The first article I read was My Name is Vonnie B. Grimes. I had reached the second paragraph on the second page when I quickly went back to the front page to see who had written it. I was not surprised that it was Mike Argento. I knew it would be. He doesn't write many articles in the paper but when he does I usually can pick them out and that's because of the quality of his writing, it's excellent. I do read his columns, I don't always agree with them or appreciate his sense of humor but I do like to read them. And I certainly don't need or want anyone to tell me I that I shouldn't read them. I have learned a lot from his columns. Whether you enjoy reading an article or not there is always an opportunity to learn something new, and I for one, am not willing to give that up.

Laura Roman
New Freedom

Go Ruben! Excellent write up in Mondays paper.

Its a sore subject but its oh so true, this generation is spoiled big time. I am a naturalized citizen and I remember chores had to be done before I went anywhere. My parents were determined that I would learn the values needed to make it on my own. I had to keep my grades up, do chores and in the summer have a job. If I wanted something special I had to earn it.

I have finally decided that Mike Argento needs someone in his corner. I delight each time I read one of his articles. I have little sympathy for Mr. Klovensky and others who have a problem with Mike. I am confused as to exactly what their problem is with his commentaries. It should be obvious to everyone that he is poking fun at much of the establishment. He calls attenmtion to the issues and some of the ramifications of each one. If he bothers some of the readers that is their problem. To them I say DON'T READ HIS WORKS!!!

Wayne Upton
Stewartstown

You gotta love a letter to the editor encouraging us to refrain from writing letters to the editor (Klovensky 6-28). While one might disagree with Mr. Argento's politics his sense of humor in pointing out the many innane actions of our politicians and yes us, the citizenry is priceless. The most myopic view is to encourage the limiting of free speech because we don't agree with it. Come to think of it I suspect Mr. Klovensky may have given Mr. Argento fodder for his next article.

Mike Clemens
Hanover