The power of opinion
The power of opinion: Why local voices matter in today’s democracy
I was raised to have an opinion.
I know that seems like such a simple statement, but there are some of you who know exactly what I mean by that statement. There are some people who go with the flow – don’t like to ruffle feathers…I, I am not one of those people. I was raised to have an opinion.
Growing up, I learned early that having an opinion wasn’t just acceptable – it was expected. My parents didn’t want children who simply nodded along or stayed silent when important issues were discussed. They wanted us to think critically, form our own perspectives, and be willing to defend them with facts and reasoning.
This upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for the democratic process of public discourse, particularly as it plays out in the opinion pages of our local newspapers. Opinion pieces have been a cornerstone of American journalism since the early days of our republic, when newspapers were often unabashedly partisan publications that served as vehicles for political debate. The modern op-ed page – short for “opposite editorial” – emerged in newspapers during the 1970s as a dedicated space for outside voices to share their perspectives alongside the publication’s own editorial stance. The New York Times is often credited with pioneering this format in 1970, creating a model that newspapers across the country would adopt.
These pieces serve a vital democratic function that extends far beyond simply filling newspaper space. They provide a forum for citizens, experts, community leaders and stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to public discourse on issues that matter to their communities. In an era where social media often amplifies the loudest voices rather than the most thoughtful ones, opinion pages maintain standards of civility and substantive argument that elevate the quality of public debate.
The opinion section of a newspaper traditionally includes editorials written by the publication’s editorial staff and letters to the editor contributed by community members. While editorials represent the newspaper’s institutional viewpoint on issues of local, state or national importance, letters to the editor offer diverse perspectives from the community the paper serves. This distinction is crucial – it ensures that readers encounter a range of viewpoints rather than hearing from a single editorial voice.
Letters to the editor have an even longer and more democratic history in American newspapers than modern editorials. Dating back to the colonial era, when Benjamin Franklin published letters in his Pennsylvania Gazette, letters to the editor provide ordinary citizens with a direct line to their community’s conversation. These letters allow readers to respond to articles, share personal experiences, correct perceived inaccuracies or raise awareness about local issues that might not otherwise receive coverage. Letters to the editor also serve as a vital mechanism for ongoing dialogue – readers can use them to disagree with opinion pieces or respond to other letters that have been published, creating a dynamic conversation that unfolds over time in the pages of the newspaper.
Our paper accepts letters to the editor provided they meet professional standards – they must be well-written, factual, respectful in tone and relevant to our readership. For our paper, submissions are due to our office by Tuesday at 8 a.m. and can be sent to jessica.oaks@torringtontelegram.com. We publish these community voices every Wednesday, providing a regular forum for local residents to share their perspectives on issues that matter to them. Our paper requires writers to include their full name, address and phone number for verification purposes, ensuring accountability for the opinions expressed. Some publications have specific guidelines about length, frequency of submission, and topics they will or won’t address. These standards aren’t meant to stifle debate but rather to maintain the quality and credibility that distinguishes newspaper opinion pages from the often chaotic realm of online comment sections.
This emphasis on maintaining civil standards mirrors a principle that shaped my own approach to discourse: respecting others’ viewpoints, even when I disagree with them. I don’t need to embrace every opinion I encounter, nor do I have to find merit in arguments that don’t convince me, but I can still acknowledge the right of others to hold different perspectives. After all, exposure to diverse thinking is how we develop and refine our own beliefs. Consider something as simple as a colleague recommending Ty’s burritos. Her enthusiasm for their food represents her genuine experience and preference. You’re free to try Ty’s yourself and discover whether you share her taste, or you might find their burritos don’t appeal to you at all. What makes this exchange valuable isn’t whether you end up agreeing about the quality of the food – it’s that in our society, no authority figure is dictating your culinary preferences. You’re free to form your own judgment and both opinions can coexist without conflict.
This simple example illustrates something profound about American democracy. We live in a society where diversity of opinion isn’t just tolerated – it’s celebrated as essential to our collective growth and understanding. When we engage with viewpoints different from our own, we either strengthen our existing beliefs by testing them against opposition, or we evolve our thinking based on new information and perspectives. Either outcome makes us better informed citizens.
Having your own opinion is fundamentally healthy for both individuals and society. On a personal level, forming opinions requires critical thinking skills – you must evaluate information, weigh evidence, consider multiple perspectives and make reasoned judgments. This mental exercise strengthens our cognitive abilities and helps us become more discerning consumers of information in an age of overwhelming data and misinformation.
From a democratic standpoint, a citizenry with diverse, well-reasoned opinions is essential for a healthy republic. Democracy depends on informed debate and the clash of ideas to arrive at the best solutions to complex problems. When people abdicate their responsibility to form opinions, they effectively surrender their voice in the democratic process.
This marketplace of ideas – whether in casual conversation about local restaurants or in the opinion pages of our newspapers – reflects the essence of democratic dialogue. The professional standards required for letters to the editor ensure that this exchange remains civil and constructive, even when addressing contentious topics. Unlike social media platforms where anonymity can breed hostility and misinformation spreads unchecked, newspaper opinion pages maintain editorial oversight that promotes factual accuracy and reasonable discourse.
The role of local opinion pages becomes even more critical when we consider how many communities are losing their local newspapers altogether. As newsrooms shrink and local papers close, communities lose not just their source of local news but also their primary forum for public debate about local issues. When the school board considers conceal carry policies, when the city council debates a large purchase, when residents disagree about councils and boards – these are the issues that directly affect our daily lives and they’re the topics most likely to be discussed in local opinion pages.
When opportunities arise to discuss various issues in our community, I don’t hesitate to voice my perspective. I welcome the chance for thoughtful, good-natured exchanges where people can express differing views without animosity. The ability to engage in spirited discussion and then part ways amicably reflects an approach I’ve cultivated over the years – one that combines genuine conviction with mutual respect. This style of engagement isn’t something I developed in isolation; I’ve observed it in the work of skilled opinion writers who manage to advocate forcefully for their positions while still recognizing the valid points raised by their critics.
Of course, the freedom to express opinions comes with different considerations depending on your role in the community. When you are an elected public official, you should be particularly careful about sharing your personal opinions, especially on matters that may come before you for official action. Elected officials have a responsibility to represent all their constituents, not just those who share their personal views, and must often maintain the ability to approach issues with an open mind during formal deliberative processes. The opinion page can be a valuable tool for public discourse, but those in positions of public trust must balance their right to free speech with their obligations to fair and impartial governance.
In our increasingly polarized political climate, the opinion page serves as a model for how public discourse should work. Writers must back up their assertions with facts, consider counterarguments, and present their views in a way that respects their audience’s intelligence. Readers, in turn, are encouraged to engage thoughtfully with ideas that might challenge their preconceptions.
When it comes to local issues, I have a few that come to mind where I will and can share an opinion. Whether it’s about wind and solar projects, budget cuts or unrepairable county roads, these local issues deserve the same level of thoughtful discussion that we might give to national politics. In fact, they may deserve more attention, since local decisions often have more immediate and tangible effects on our daily lives than federal policies.
Having an opinion about issues pertaining to the greater good does not make me the judge and jury. My perspectives are simply that – one person’s viewpoint based on my experiences, values and understanding of the facts as I see them. The beauty of democratic discourse is that multiple voices contribute to the conversation, each bringing their own insights and concerns to help shape better outcomes for our community.
The beauty of the opinion page – and the broader tradition of public discourse it represents – is that it reminds us that democracy isn’t a spectator sport. It requires active participation from informed citizens who are willing to engage with difficult questions and complex issues. By sharing our opinions through these established channels, we contribute to the ongoing conversation that shapes our communities and our democracy.