As an American, and a journalist, every day I am thankful for our Freedom of Speech protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
In my 25 years working in newsrooms, many of those as an editor, I often receive letters to the editor from upset readers who do not like something submitted and published on the Opinion Page.
Thank you. Thank you for writing to your local newspaper. Thank you for expressing your opinion on issues that matter to you and your neighbors. It is one of the most important things you can do, in my opinion, to be heard.
It also lets me know you’re staying informed and listening to what others are saying around you in your community.
Sometimes, letters I receive are from readers upset at something they read and disagree with in a regular column produced by local politicians. The letter writer will ask, “why do you print ‘lies?’”
I must say, I also have not always agreed with what is said by elected officials, but it is so important to publish their regular columns. This space is given by most newspapers to all elected officials, so their constituents know what is being done and said on their behalf as voters. All local politicians have access to submit columns to this newspaper if they choose to do so, and they will be printed.
Not just elected officials, but all letters to the editor, if the letter does not file into the categories of defamation or inciting violence, and adheres to the standard 250-word limit, should be published.
It is important to read, pay attention, and “listen” to what others have to say. I mean, really listen to the words they choose to express their opinion to understand their point of view.
Try to put yourself in their shoes for a minute. Why do they believe this way? What is their history?
Will their words change your mind, or just make you angry, “make your blood boil,” as my dad used to say.
Either way, it is important. It is important to care about and understand where other people are coming from, even if you do not and will never agree with them.
Especially our elected officials.
Whether you agree with what they say, it is important for you, the reader, the residents of the county, to know and understand what your elected officials have to say.
My sister and I played “king of the mountain” when we were kids, pushing each other off the stump, climbing up, exclaiming, “I’m king of the mountain.”
Well, at least for the moment.
As a journalist, I am objective when I read and listen to others’ thoughts and ideas. I do not always agree, but I do listen and try to understand. It may strengthen my beliefs or maybe soften my thoughts a bit to their way of thinking.
Either way, conversations are good. Communication is key to learning and understanding and creating peaceful outcomes for everyone involved.
It’s okay to play a bit of king of the mountain to get your voice heard, but please also step aside when you’ve spoken to let someone else speak, too.
And when you do not agree with what’s being said, that’s okay, too, but not printing an opinion just because we do not agree is not the answer.
So, when, as the editor, I print opinion pieces on the designated page of the paper, please remember, that is what it is: an opinion. Do not be angry about it being printed, be thankful. Be thankful you know what your elected official is doing and saying to his constituents so that you are an informed voter. I know I am.
