For me, like a lot of people I know, the opinion section of a newspaper is always a highlight. It’s where, ideally, everyone has a chance to speak their minds as a part of that wonderful First Amendment we all hold so dear.
It also allows the newspaper to take a stand on issues, a real treat since we journalists spend most of our time attempting to report the news in an unbiased manner.
But for this particular section to work, there needs to be more than just one guy ranting. I can do it, don’t worry about that - I spent most of my Saturday ranting to friends and family at a birthday party about what a cesspool I think Detroit is.As anyone familiar with my name probably also knows, I spent a year writing my opinion, over and over again, regarding movies and the actors we all love to hate.
And we’ve got a bunch of columnists lined up to write about issues they’re concerned about as well. But it never hurts to have some more. We all look forward to our favorite writers, but it never hurts to have some new faces smiling back at you when you open up your newspaper and flip through to see what’s going on.
Sometimes this page can seem boring, sometimes it’s full of people angry about one thing or another. But it’s an open forum, a beautiful thing and one of the reasons that keeps me in this low-paying journalism gig in the first place.
And the fact that anyone can pick up a pen and paper, or e-mail for that matter, and write about whatever concerns them is something to cherish.
So, long story short - got something you’re thinking about? Write it. If you’re one of those people who I’ve heard complaining “they never include these types of views,” first write me to complain about it, then write your different viewpoint.
A free exchange of ideas, right or wrong, is what fuels these pages and makes them so darn interesting in the first place. You can laugh, cry or just plain get a better look at an issue, making it more than just the top of a news page that you skim briefly and then head to the comics.
I know, it sounds like a lot of work, especially for the summertime. Why spend your time researching and writing a letter when you could be hanging out poolside, or enjoying the weather?
Well, first off, we live in Michigan and the weather stinks. Second, if you think a voice is being ignored and you’re not doing something about it, look no further than yourself for the first guilty party. Sure, I can ignore your e-mails for days, but if they’re not there then I’m not doing anything wrong, am I?
Why wait for someone else to take the time to echo your own stance on an issue? I admit freely that my judgment is not all-knowing. I came to college to learn, and as the final countdown begins for my exit, I believe I’ve learned more from people than I ever have from a book.
Things I never would have thought of suddenly have become common knowledge - all thanks to being exposed to difference. That exposure is invaluable to me, and I’m sure many others would agree that the reality they encounter in their lives has done a great deal more to them than what they’ve been taught in most of their classrooms.
And that’s the biggest benefit of this Opinion Page. Thousands can be reached daily, thanks to some hard work and a little ink and newsprint. I’m looking forward to spending the summer at the helm of it, reading letters and editing columns, hopefully all interesting and complete with something intriguing to say. I’m sure it’ll be an adventure, and I have no doubt that I’m going to get to talk to people that I never would have otherwise.
But we’ve got a lot of newspapers to go, and I’ve only got a little bit of stuff so far to fill my pages. There’s plenty of time and space for anyone - even you - to give it a shot. No matter the viewpoint or issue, why not let your voice be heard?
It sure beats just ranting outside one of the university’s buildings, and you can take heart in knowing that someone is definitely going to read it.
Hey, it’s what I get paid for.
Drew Harmon is the State News opinion editor. Reach him at harmondr@msu.edu.
