It seems odd the new owners of the Fountain Hills Times Independent feel it's important to clearly state in their masthead they are non-partisan. Further, asking citizens to take a Civility Pledge as detailed on the opinion page, and to become a Civility Advocate. I read a lot of newspapers and have never been asked to take a pledge.

And I see Ms. James in her Aug. 3 opinion redefining what Crystal Cavanaugh said or did not say at a Council meetings is allowed her usual inflammatory rhetoric regarding the homeless problem. "Clive Bundy," "round them up," comparing Cavanaugh’s comments to “what’s coming out of Florida re: black slavery,” and finally trying to read Crystal’s mind with “just lock them up.” Apparently Ms. James chose not to take the Civility Pledge.

Which also makes me ask, if one signs this pledge, will it be made public? Good citizen signs, bad citizen does not sign? Is that really the job of the newspaper?

I read the papers for news, not to earn some sort of kudos from the publication. And for the record, I would like writers like James to stop calling many who disagree with her, far-right crazy MAGAs. For the record, I am a traditional American, not crazy anything.

Editor’s note: While opinions that meet our guidelines will continue to run, as always, the purpose of the Civility Pledge is to ask those who take part in open discourse through this publication to consider how they are presenting their arguments and, hopefully, lead to more thoughtful, considerate statements and debates.