The role of the carrier in a free press

I want to thank Mary Beth Speer for her wonderful letter last week thanking her newspaper carrier, Steve P., and reminding us all the role he and his colleagues play in our precious free press. When I sent this year's gift to our carrier, Rehulina, I thanked her for her hard work every single day of the year, no matter the weather.

While it's true these days we can also receive the newspaper online, I find it even more important that the printed paper appear on many driveways and front stoops - a visual, daily reminder that real, honest journalism holds an essential place in our communities and our country.

I hate the idea that one day, children won't know what a newspaper looks like. It has been a tough few years for newspapers, but one of the bright spots this year in particular was that despite the fact the Paddock family sold the Daily Herald, they sold it to the most trustworthy people - their employees. As a grateful subscriber for 25 years, best of luck to the new owners. Thank you for bringing us what never has been more important: true, fact-checked news.

Joni Hirsch Blackman

Naperville