Frank Rich's "Confessions of a Recovering Op-Ed Columnist": He Was Never Censored by The New York Times

Frank Rich will no longer be writing op-eds for The New York Times, and in his valedictory entitled "Confessions of a Recovering Op-Ed Columnist" (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/opinion/13rich.html), Rich proudly asserts that he was never censored by The Times. Forgive me for asking, but why should he have been censored? Rich made a career of writing diatribes against Republicans every Sunday, and there was no reason for these op-eds, very much in keeping with the political philosophy of The Times, to have been set aside.

On the other hand, my online comments in response to Rich and other New York Times columnists are regularly censored, particularly when they express a contradictory opinion.

In fact, the following comment in response to Rich's op-ed of today's date was - you guessed it - censored:

Mr. Rich writes: "During my time on the page, the most frequent question I’ve been asked by readers is: Did The Times ever censor you, or try to censor you? The answer is no."

As someone who submits online comments in response to New York Times op-eds and editorials, and who often disagrees with the New York Times's columnists and editorial staff, I wish I could also say that my comments, particularly when in conflict with the op-ed or editorial, are usually posted.

We are told that "Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive," however, although my opposing views are certainly on-topic and not abusive, many are rejected.

I complained to the New York Times and was informed [by a very senior editor] that a newspaper chooses every day what to print and what not to print and that this is not censorship. However, I observed that this is also not in accordace with the guideline appearing below the comment box.

Censorship or otherwise, I find it disturbing that my opposing views submitted online are often quashed.

I am certain that Rich will be missed by those addicted to attacks upon Republicans, but fortunately for them Gail Collins will continue to supply them with political vitriol, which feeds on people's anger and hatred.

[Is Jeffrey just a neocon with an ax to grind? Sorry, but Jeffrey was once a registered Democrat, who, inter alia, continues to be pro-choice, opposed the Second Gulf War, refused to vote for McCain when he chose Palin as a running mate, and strongly opposes U.S. ground involvement in Afghanistan. Sorry to disappoint . . .]