The only problem is that you rarely if ever get a response or reaction from any of these columnists - you're better off sending a letter to the editor.
Correct assessment. I did send a letter to the editor but as I am not a subscriber and live in NY, I doubt it will do much good.
Of all the letters I have written to the reporters and editor of the Buffalo Pravda, er News, I have only received a single response from a reporter. I have had many published but with the amount of editing they do, the thrust of my original intent is usually lost.