I like your narrowed newspaper format. It’s neat to handle, especially since I’m an outdated elder who likes the touch of a newspaper.

I surrendered my New York Times subscription, though. It’s bulk sacrificed too many trees for the greed of a single sheet of advertising. It’s a consequence of a materialistic society that is faraway from simplicity.

Another Northeast newspaper — retained as a gift — cost-condensed too, but those editors, like you, studied judgment even though having to downsize correspondents and columns.

This economy, and the cutbacks we all have to make, is scary.

Pinching pennies may make many want to pinch others.

That’s why, as a reader of The Democrat, I extend compliment to the Top of the Morning, “Change needed for blessings,” written by Beverly Gibson.

It’s an article needed locally as well as nationally. Its substance to be simmered like a soothing tea. Hers is the format of writing I’d see, years ago, as a reprint in Reader’s Digest. I may photocopy it for a friend, or two, and as it scans, may Ms. Gibson feel a spiritual affinity in the air.

Corinne M. O’Begley

Natchez resident