A place for voices from all sides and views
Last week, several readers called to complain about an article that appeared in The Daily News.
It was biased, they said. It was too negative against President Donald Trump and what he’s tried to do in his first month in office.
It had no place in the paper, they said.
We disagree. The place for such an article was where it appeared — on this Opinion page.
As the name implies, the Opinion page is supposed to have opinions. Analysis pieces, letters to the editor, columns, often with a clear viewpoint. Something beyond reporting the news of the day.
Perhaps the reader will agree with that viewpoint. Perhaps disagree. But if the reaction is a shrug before moving on, then the Opinion page isn’t doing its job.
Given the current climate in the United States, it is unlikely any one piece will reflect the views of all of The Daily News’ readership. It could be some items will be in the minority, perhaps even on the edges.
But the role of an Opinion page is to stimulate discussion, thought and debate. Not, in most cases, to be a cheerleader, our Saturday morning “Bouquets” notwithstanding.
One woman last week said we were trying to “stir the pot.”
Exactly.
We would hope our readers are not so rigid in their opinions they will tolerate no dissent. That if they do take issue with what is printed in this space, they will articulate their displeasure in a letter to the editor.
Because that’s the function of this page as well. We not only allow a free exchange of views, we encourage it.