How could I tell?

I just remembered something else to comment about.

This "opinion" in Saturday's N&O is a nasty piece of work. I read it, and I get mad. I write a stirring rebuttal to the editor. Then, a few hours later, I find out that the opinion was a joke. Well, that's just great. How was I supposed to know that? I'm not a mind reader for cryin' out loud! I mean, I can usually trust the News & Observer. It's not The Onion. Anyways, someone better get their just desserts for this.

BAN SATIRE!!!!!*

*I'm being satirical.