What has happened to civil discourse?

Earlier this week I received a call from a young woman upset that an editorial in this newspaper titled: “It’s over and the winner is…?” She was upset, claiming it was pro-Trump.

In conversing with this reader, I suggested that she consider writing a letter or guest column refuting what she had found to be off base. Her response stunned me…she stated that she was afraid of reprisals, but from whom? MAGA supporters.

Well, I could not assuage her fears. We did keep discussing how our first amendment rights allow us to have varying opinions. In fact, that’s what makes this nation unique.

I may have stated this previously, but the Dodge County Independent welcomes comments of all political points of view.

No one is more stubborn about allowing all opinions to hold equal standing as I have been in over 45 years in publishing newspapers.

Some companies I have worked for have not allowed me, as publisher, to state my opinion, because it differed from “corporate political stands,” but I none-the-less had an opinion and stated it, even if it cost me my job. That’s how ardent I am about the freedom to state one’s opinion.

Never, will I allow anyone on our staff to withhold an opinion that they find offensive and or different than their view as a staff member. This is a publication where the free exchange of thought is guarded. Liberal, conservative, socialist, or libertarian thinkers will find the policy of this newspaper to be one of freedom.

If you disagree with me or anyone else stating his or her opinion on page four of this newspaper (the Opinion page) you have my permission, no, my guarantee that you will be heard.

If anyone chooses to bully someone who has stated their opinion, I will use this space to call out bullies, no matter what party affiliation is being advocated.