The Gazette-Journal invests a lot of space in airing different points of view. Letters to the editor, we say, are welcome on any matter of public interest.

That being said, we have our priorities: local issues, state issues, national issues, and thank-you letters. In that order. We also ask that writers confine themselves to 200 words, although we usually bend over double to print all or most of the thoughts that come our way. But our space is limited, and others deserve the chance to speak their peace.

It’s a hot election year and we expect plenty of comments; we just wanted to inform you of our priorities.

We’re sure that Abraham Lincoln also had a lot of things to say when he spoke at the dedication of the national cemetery at Gettysburg, Pa. He sought to bind the country’s wounds, to plan for a post-war future and to pay tribute to those lost in the struggle. And yet, he managed to sum it up in only 263 words (or 272, depending on the version). A speech la...