Newspaper "letters to the editor" are usually short comments that make one simple point. They are usually a response to something that has appeared in the op ed page, an editorial, or some information that has appeared in a news story. And they usually are an attempt to hear public response or attitudes about the subject or newspaper's stand. Regardless, if you send a letter to the editor, remember most newspapers get many more letters than they run. And because space is usually at a premium in a newspaper, keep your letters short. Even the shortest may be subject to some editing for space or content.