Letters

Who is Jose Reyes? This question seems, by their reactions, to be the most important matter the Southampton Town Democratic Committee has to deal with. For me, and many voting citizens of Suffolk County who contact me, the question isn’t “Who is Jose Reyes?” but rather what other dark backroom deals are the Suffolk County Democrats and Republicans conspiring on. That is why the public needs people like “Jose Reyes” to come forward and shed some light on these dark deeds.

To some people, 53 years ago is ancient history, but it is relevant today to remember “Watergate” and “Deep Throat.”

If it wasn’t for the courage and patriotism of an insider code calling himself “Deep Throat,” Bob Woodward and Hamptonite Carl Bernstein would not have been able to report on Watergate and bring down the corrupt administration of Nixon.

The Southampton Press has performed a tremendous service to the residents of our county by publishing “Jose Reyes’” letters to the editor, for which they should be commended. New York State has codified, in law — the Shield Law — the privilege arising under the First Amendment, that protects journalists from compulsory disclosure of confidential sources like “Deep Throat” and “Jose Reyes.” Kudos to The Southampton Press.

Stephen Ring

Hampton Bays

The writer submitting letters under the pen name of “Jose Reyes” did so without the knowledge or permission of the Editorial Board of the Express News Group. The writer, without revealing his or her identity, has promised to stop submitting letters under that name. “Jose Reyes” was never used as a source for any news stories—Ed.