I couldn’t help but to notice that the Columbia Daily Tribune published on its website a duel challenge to a State Senator ([“Schaefer picks up where Hulshof left off”](http://www.columbiatribune.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/schaefer-picks-up-where-hulshof-left-off/article_d941638a-a77f-11e2-ab8a-10604b9f6eda.html), Wednesday, April 17). The letter made no reference to State Senator Schaefer’s policies or professional conduct. It did, however, express the writer’s desire to “know what it is to really beat somebody to death.”
State Senator Schaefer has certainly been rattling sabers recently. And while I think his political posturing of late is nothing less than the epitome of empty self-promotion, he is entitled to respect. He is entitled to respect as an elected official, as a member of our community, and most importantly, as a fellow human being.
Kurt Schaefer lives here in Columbia with his family, and whether I like it or not, he is a leader in our political discourse.
Whoever bears responsibility for publishing this letter should be fired. There are too many promising, capable, unemployed, young journalists in this town, many of whom have graduated from the best journalism school in the world.
I am a staunch proponent of freedom of the press for the very reason that when a newspaper does something idiotic like this, it becomes easy for the public to decide which newspaper not to read.
Respectfully,
**— Blake Lawrence,**
**Juris Doctorate Candidate, School of Law**