Some facts about opinions

It seems as though the purpose of an opinion page needs to be addressed.  As you can see, week after week I carefully place columns and editorial material on Page 2 – and that is all that goes there.  I don't take news stories or sports features and put them on my page because only OPINIONS belong on the opinion page, also known as Page 2 – the one with "OPINION" across the top of it.

When a reader opens up the paper to Page 2, he/she should be prepared to see several columns, an editorial and cartoons to accompany it.  That is what is on Page 2 every single week without fail.  That does not mean that readers must agree with what lies on that page, but it does mean that it is a safe space for editors' opinions and reading them is optional.

Never in my journalism career or time spent as Opinion Editor have I walked up to someone and forced him/her to read a particular column.  I am under the impression that reading our opinions is voluntary, and if someone only likes hard news, he/she has the option to only read those pages of the newspaper.  Therefore, it is mind-boggling when readers complain about editors using the newspaper as a personal platform or taking advantage of our positions and spewing nonsense.

In case the title of Page 2 is confusing to any readers, let me clarify: this is where opinions go. Opinion is defined by dictionary.com as a personal view, attitude or appraisal.

I can completely appreciate a good argument or someone not agreeing with a viewpoint whether it be mine or another writer's.  In fact, it is what keeps me on my toes and provides me the opportunity to become a better journalist.  Counterarguments are welcome, but please refrain from throwing ignorance in my face.

Yes, I get paid to share my opinion with you all at this university every week.  Although I am not exactly thriving off of my tiny "salary," it is probably still shocking to some of you who often disagree with me that someone would pay me to do what I do. There is never a day in which I expect every reader to enjoy or agree with what I say – that is not my job. But, I do know that every good newspaper has a quality sampling of views on the opinion page, which should be taken into consideration by all.

I am never offended by disagreeance, but ignorance is alarming.  I am not soiling journalism or unethically doing my job, and neither are my co-workers.  I am simply sharing my opinion where it belongs.  Please, if it troubles you so, move on to Page 3 where you will find fact-filled columns and the omission of opinion.