Those of you who have read this column over the past 20 years must certainly have concluded that, in this case, the term "freedom of the press" is particularly apropos.

Ever considerate of my lack of formal education and my cavalier treatment of spelling, punctuation and vernacular, my editor continues to provide the space to present this senior's view.

Perhaps we can draw a parallel as each of us enjoy our newspaper and realize how much we've grown to depend on this media for its contribution to our lifestyle.

I don't know about you, but my day just doesn't begin without my newspaper. As a kid, I fetched the daily publication for my parents, who divided it up equally... Pa got the news... Ma got the ads and I got the funnies.

Show me a scholar who cannot recite the history that includes presidents and despots and who is not also well informed about Superman and Batman and who, at the same time, is knowledgeable of the births or deaths of both notables and neighbors.

How else would even the least of us be made aware of the tragedy and drama that besets the dominant species?

The Fourth Estate does not extend to our planet's beasties. And, just as well. I would be ashamed to acknowledge the foolishness of my species to those innocents who share our planet.

There is among us, lately, the suggestion that the Internet will replace the paper. God forbid.

Please allow me to help direct your consideration of that.

Come over some day to our editorial office. Walk in... you're welcome... and visit a while with the people whose labors have you in mind.

Grandpa says: "The Sierra Star will always outshine the dot.com!"