We received a disturbing note from one of our frequent letter writers.

This person often writes on controversial issues, and the letters are very partisan. We’re not going to name the person here, because the letters have caused some problems, which we take seriously.

The letter writer tells us that people who disagree have called and been pretty nasty. The writer described the contact as “hate calls.”

We encourage our readers to participate in spirited debate on our Opinion pages, and believe that open dialogue can improve the community’s understanding of important issues and expose people to ideas that they might otherwise miss.

When the dialogue leaves the page and takes the form of unsolicited, harassing phone calls, that crosses the line. Our writer has asked that we not publish a last name with letters. We can’t do that. Accountability for ideas is the hallmark of our letters policy.

But we are furious that cowards out there would harass someone who has the courage to stand by his or her ideas in a public forum.

Rebuttal letters are welcome. Harassment is not.