In these unprecedented times, we at the Seaside Beacon-Gazette remain committed to delivering high-quality journalism. Though we understand the concerns raised by some of our readers regarding a recent editorial, we stand by our decision to give a platform to the sea monster trying to devour our entire town.
It is our journalistic responsibility to provide our readers with the perspectives of those in positions of power. And we can all agree that no one is in a greater position of power than Trallonous the Kraken, who appeared at our shores weeks ago and smashed our entire harbor. Though we may not all agree on how he wields his power—the Seaside Beacon-Gazette’s Editorial Board has already strongly condemned Trallonous for plucking innocents from their beds with his gigantic tentacles—we can surely all respect the authority he commands as a menacing, eighty-ton sea creature.
We also feel a responsibility as journalists to expose our readers to new perspectives. Ever since the survivors evacuated to the underground storm shelter, the remaining members of our town have been sheltered from not only Trallonous’s ten thousand teeth but also new ideas. It is hardly editorializing for us to state that our bunker has become a literal echo chamber, where every discussion focuses solely on “how do we signal to the outside world for help” and “what we are going to do once we run out of food?” The constant focus on these matters strikes us as myopic, and if it takes publishing an op-ed from a seemingly indestructible sea monster who wants to eat us all alive to challenge the status quo, then so be it.
We understand many readers find the Kraken’s point of view dangerous, but that is why we offered it for public scrutiny and debate. Though Trallonous’s position may have seemed clear from the moment he regurgitated thousands of sailors’ bones to block every exit out of town, it is always important to critically examine where the other side is coming from. Doing so allows us to better understand the sea demon’s perspective (we should be his food) as well as our own (no, we shouldn’t). If we are truly convinced of our own position, then we should be able to defend it when it is attacked, rhetorically speaking, of course. Practically speaking, we obviously have no defense against a giant ocean colossus. With that said, we acknowledge Trallonous actually made some pretty decent points.
Though we remain resolute in our position, like any good journalists, we stand to be corrected. The Seaside Beacon-Gazette is committed to publishing any future developments, even if that means doing so from inside the belly of an enormous sea beast. We are confident Trallonous shares our journalistic integrity and are sure he will allow us the same platform that we allowed him once he devours us whole.