Opinions not slanted are not opinions
Since last week’s editorial column stressing the need for all of the county executive candidates to participate in a debate, there have been several comments made about the Standard’s slanted opinion.
To those comments we say, of course our opinion is slanted. Is there any way to have an opinion which is not slanted?
An opinion which has no slant is not an opinion at all. It’s a neutral statement.
The purpose of this column, and this entire editorial page, is to take a stand. It’s to take one side of an issue and argue that point in a convincing manner. That’s the intent of each and every one of these columns.
Sometimes columns and editorials can be hard-hitting. Sometimes they can be light. Other times they might try to be funny. But in every instance, they are the opinion of the writer or writers and that makes them unique – and, yes, it makes them slanted.
It’s important to emphasize the material on this page is just opinions. It doesn’t make these thoughts right and if you disagree, it doesn’t make your opinion wrong.
The goal is to gather the facts, take all those facts into consideration, and make a compelling argument based on the information at hand. That’s what separates this page, and page 5-A where letters to the editor are published, from the rest of our straight news content.
Front-page news stories are not biased. They are not opinionated. They are the facts as presented by government officials and ordinary people and we simply report on those facts.
It’s also important to stress the Standard never shies away from publishing your opinion. As a newspaper dedicated to giving members of this community a place to share their views, we have a very open policy in accepting letters to the editor.
Naturally, there are some restrictions. We don’t allow personal attacks or attacks against individual businesses and we reserve the right to condense six-page letters for space purposes.
The simple fact remains each and every person in this county can express their thoughts in this newspaper. All it takes is a paper and pencil and the courage to sign your name to your opinion.
Through the years, the Standard has published many letters directed toward this newspaper. Some have been favorable while others have been, well, not so good-natured. That comes with the territory.
By sticking our necks out and voicing our opinions, we are also extending an invitation to hear yours. So go ahead and tell us what you think.
Will it be different than our opinion? It might be because in all likelihood, it will have your slant. And that’s exactly what opinions are – they are slanted.
So criticize this newspaper for having a slanted opinion if you like. We couldn’t agree with you more.