Hi George,

Thank you for calling attention to the display ad in the Daily Progress. As you know, I was so appalled by the "ad" that I contacted John Kimbel, Regional Advertising Director at the D.P., Josh Wheeler at the Thomas Jefferson Center for Free Expression, the UVA Gay & Lesbian Student Alliance, not to mention other subsequently outraged individuals.

Yes, the Daily Progress, as a privately owned newspaper has the "right" to publish whatever they choose without identifying who placed or paid for the "ad". What are they selling? In my opinion, it is hate targeted at a specific population. My understanding is that unless an ad "incites violence", it cannot be regarded in the same category as a hate crime. That creates quite a gray area in journalism.

It is my strong opinion that the Daily Progress crossed the gray line. The newspaper has a responsibility to its community to respect (and protect) all its citizens from hateful, degrading propaganda. To uphold a policy that would print such a blatant message is irresponsible, to say the least. It is very interesting that whoever paid for the ad is hiding their identity. It is also interesting that the piece was not labeled as a "paid advertisement" and that the "ad" is not appearing in today's newspaper.

I encourage others to express their disapproval to the Daily Progress.

Diane Taylor (electronic mail, October 26, 2004)

Editorial Note: The Daily Progress has since somewhat altered its advertising policy.