I've often criticized various newspapers for failing to provide a variety (usually opposing) views on their letters pages. The Los Angeles Times, in probably the most egregious case I've seen in quite awhile, illustrated this problem when they didn't publish a single letter criticizing an A1 North Korean propaganda piece.

I monitored The New York Times letters for quite awhile and came to the conclusion that their letters selection definitely leaned leftward. I continue to be unsure, because I can't see all the letters submitted to the Times, whether that leftward tilt is a result of self-selection -- more lefties submit letters -- or of an interest in only printing letters that agree with their editorial views. Of course, today's letters to the Times suggest that it may be the latter.

In response to former Sen. Bob Dole's reticent endorsement of the so-called nuclear option, the Times prints seven letters -- every one supportive of the Democrats' filibuster.