Caller: Opinions are welcome, as long as we agree
Published 12:00 am Monday, November 8, 2004
I apologize. There, I said it. If I just left it at that lots of folks might feel some kind of satisfaction, some small level of "I told him so" relief perhaps.
But what I am apologetic about isn't necessarily something I've done - though I certainly make more than my share of mistakes. No, I regret that this newspaper apparently operated for some time without offering much in the way of opinions aimed at bettering this community.
At least that's what I'm guessing is the ailment causing the many symptoms I've seen this week. Judging by some reaction to opinions printed on this page, it appears a newspaper standing up and saying what it thinks would be best is a foreign concept in this community. For that, I am sorry.
Somehow having an opinion that isn't the most popular has become reason to strike out with vengeful words.
A caller this week suggested that this newspaper publicly apologize for an endorsement made a week ago. Her belief was that since the majority of the voters chose another candidate that that proved our opinion was "wrong."
Opinions cannot be right or wrong. The same rule we apply to the many letters and guest columns we receive here each week applies to ourselves, too.
We do not have to like, or agree with, a person's opinion to understand it and give it merit.
By the measure of some folks, any opinion other than their own is bad. Period.
Those same people would see nothing wrong with require all John Kerry voters to pledge their undying support for George W. Bush.
I suspect those more than 50 million voters wouldn't like that too much.
Having the freedom to express our opinions, publicly, is one of the most important concepts our country holds dear.
Another person who disagreed with an entirely different opinion written here vowed to just quit reading the newspaper altogether over one opinion with which they did not agree.
That's the equivalent of a person saying if I ever disagree with you, I'll never speak with you - ever.
These extreme reactions are obviously the exception rather than the rule.
Many of our readers fully understand that opinions can help spark conversation and debate.
Another gentleman called in frustration last week. He wanted the newspaper to write an opinion about the failure of Ironton renewal floodwall levy.
"I don't understand people," the man said, adding that he was a resident of the low-lying Green Valley area of the city. "People want police and fire protection but they don't want to pay for it."
The man had a good point. I suspect many residents will regret not approving the levy if and when, God forbid, another massive flood occurs and our floodwalls are not in good order.
Public safety, while it may not be popular, is a necessary expenditure.
"It's not free," said the man who had lived through the 1937 flood. "It's almost enough to make me cry."
I agree, but then again, I had better agree or someone might get upset.
Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext. 12 or by e-mail at kevin.cooper@irontontribune.com.