Every local publisher has to deal with angry readers — but few turn that into a comedy masterclass like Dale Depew. This week, he transformed a cranky email into a mic-drop moment that deserves a standing ovation (or at least a polite slow clap from your uncle at Thanksgiving).
It all started when reader Paul Pospisil fired off an email, scandalized — scandalized! — by Dale including an announcement for an upcoming event featuring Rev. Lorenzo Sewell, a Detroit pastor who once prayed at Donald Trump’s inauguration. Paul accused Dale of “supporting a demon sitting in the presidential chair” and declared the whole thing “the work of the devil.”
Ah yes, nothing quite says rational political discourse like accusing your local newspaper of being a satanic cult.
And then came Paul’s opening line: “How dare you.” So when Paul furiously typed out those three magic words, Dale helpfully reminded him: statistically speaking, most people around here dare just fine, thanks.
Dale responded with humor, grace, and the kind of factual smackdown that belongs in the Local News Hall of Fame. He pointed out that in Seneca County, 68% of voters went for Trump. Translation: if you’re at a bar in Seneca County with two other people, odds are both of them voted for Trump, and at least one of them probably owns a red hat and a collection of bumper stickers.
But he didn’t stop there. Dale offered Paul — and honestly, all of us — some excellent life advice: if you’re about to complain, maybe don’t start with “How dare you.” It’s not exactly the conversational equivalent of a warm handshake. Whether you’re writing to your editor, your barber, or your auto mechanic, opening with an attack tends to end poorly (or leave you with a lopsided haircut).
And here’s the cherry on top: despite the finger-wagging email, Dale still ended with a friendly invitation. He provided details on how to attend the event, just in case Paul had a change of heart — or simply wanted to see what freedom ringing from Stone Mountain, Georgia, sounds like.
In an era where most online arguments spiral into incoherent rage within three comments, Dale’s reply was a masterclass in keeping your cool, sticking to the facts, and sprinkling in just the right amount of humor.
Paul, next time… maybe save the “How dare you” for when someone parks crooked at Walmart.
And if you’d like to attend Rev. Sewell’s event tonight at 6 p.m., registration is technically closed — but you can still call Susan Platt at 419-934-0444, and she’ll save you a seat. The event will be held at the Bill and Janet Frankart Event Barn, 7731 Twp. Rd 32, Clyde, Ohio 45373. Tickets are $20, and the event is open to both men and women.
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