The Pilot article titled "Shaver Protests Boylan Endorsement" (Oct. 4) left me a little puzzled. Why is a protest by a total of three people newsworthy?

Endorsements are usually handed out by organizations as a result of a majority vote by their general membership or by an endorsement committee selected by the general membership.

It sounds to me like Joe Boylan, Republican candidate for the N.C. House, sought the endorsement of the state employees association, followed its process, and won its endorsement. It sounds like democracy in action. What's the problem?

Many times, The Pilot endorses candidates I don't support. But I don't stage public protests, and I haven't canceled my subscription. I recognize that it is democracy (and the First Amendment) in action, and I move on. Manila Shaver should do the same thing.

Brant Clifton

Pinehurst