For some time now, someone, probably a copy editor, at the Camera has been displaying an unseemly obsession with dashes. From the front page of the Saturday, Dec. 31, paper I will cite two examples:

— “State Rep. Deb Gardner said — in her written response to a Daily Times-Call questionnaire — that she’d be the best choice…” etc.

And…

— “Last month, Murname — whose work focuses on laser physics — was honored with Ireland’s top scientific award.”

Here we have just two out of many sentences where commas would have done nicely. I’m convinced that, in our highly literate community, there are many editors, English teachers and professional writers who wince along with me when they see dashes being trotted out for so many not-very-special occasions.