Back in my parent’s day, most people would read the newspaper and not write the editor. They would comment to each other face-to-face. So much more civilized than hiding behind a keyboard.
Even if they had written to the editor, it wouldn't make it through. The letters to the editor were written by the newspaper and used as an extension of the propaganda, designed to make readers feel they needed to get on board with the "correct" thinking.
Not living where FR originates, I guess I’ll be hiding behind a keyboard. However, I would express the same opinions even if I were’t.