The MASS MEDIA affect our FAMILIES. They offer us GOOD things, in the form
of wholesome entertainment, balanced news, spiritually, culturally and
intellectually uplifting shows, and so on. But there are also many things
to COMPLAIN AGAINST in the mass media: indecent images, messages, songs and
language in many shows and advertisements; acceptance of marital infidelity
as "normal"; promotion of materialism, hedonism, consumerism and rebellion
against authority; absence of God; and so on. Of course, we are fully aware
of all these concerns.

How can we more effectively PRAISE the mass media for strengthening OUR
FAMILIES, and COMPLAIN whenever OUR FAMILIES are atttacked? One SIMPLE BUT
POWERFUL way is to write LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Copied below are some tips
on this. Please consider writing one this week, out of love for all families.

(Please pass this on to your relatives and friends--for example, you may
copy and paste this message to your email program.)



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   TIPS ON WRITING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* When watching TV, listening to the radio or
  reading newspapers, try to note aspects that may
  positively or negatively affect your family.

* For newspapers, focus especially on the
  NEWS SECTION (either on page one or the inside pages),
  the OPINION SECTION (including the editorial write-up,
  opinion columns, editorial cartoons, other persons'
  Letters to the Editor, etc.) and the
  ENTERNTAINMENT SECTION.

* Using simple language, state why you agree
  or disagree with the matter.

* Keep your letter short, maximum of 300 words,
  equivalent to around one page double space -- or
  else the editor might remove some (important) parts.

* Be candid. You need not be formal always.

* Do not condemn persons, but wrongdoings.

* At times it might be good to use strong language
  (but not offensive or insulting) to drive home your point.

* The tone need not be always religious.
  Human and common sense arguments without any
  reference to the Church are also very effective.

* The Editor may edit your letter, in terms of
  length, grammar, typographical errors, etc.
  No need then to send a perfectly written letter.

* Where to send your letter: You may post, fax or email
  your letter to the address or number provided
  in the Editorial Box of the newspaper.

* If your letter is not printed, don't get discouraged.
  The Opinion Editor would have read it and somehow
  your ideas would have influenced him or her. Keep writing.

* Above all, pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance,
  and remember that your letter will be truly worth it,
  for the good of the family.

* Write now, right now! And encourage your friends
  to do the same, by passing this on to them.