Opinion Page submissions are not to be mistaken for news

Opinion.

That’s what is on this page.

Nothing printed on this page is an “article,” or “news” as I too frequently hear. Opinion is defined as “a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty,” essentially what the author thinks or feels.

Those who submit letters to the editor are not paid nor are they employees of this newspaper. The contents should never be mistaken for a news article like those found in the rest of the newspaper, it’s merely their two cents on whatever topic interests them.

However, I always edit all letters to the editor and guest columns to conform with newspaper style. I never edit the content. The editing process makes their words fit Associated Press style such as turning “February, 28, 2013” into just “Feb. 28.”

If a letter or guest column says something that is so completely false that it could get someone in trouble, I won’t print it.

If something is referenced and assumes the reader also knows all the specific details the author knows, then an editor’s note is added for clarity.

Someone could write “Matt Naber sets a terrible example for all of us at the gym because he eats nothing but junk food.” This is true, I do eat a lot of cookies and bacon, and if the writer believes my lifestyle sets a bad example then that’s their opinion and I have to print it.

Yes, even opinions I strongly disagree with do get printed on this page.

But the whole story is missing, an editor’s note would have to be added explaining that while their statement is true, it’s only a half-truth because it fails to mention the other side of the story: I also eat a lot of raw fruit and vegetables, and exercise daily.

Submissions that are blatantly false never make it past my inbox. If somebody wrote “Matt Naber is an international spy and a threat to America” it would not get printed.

The statements made on the Opinion page must be based on fact.

However, there is a line between praising something and advertising it.

Submissions such as, “This restaurant has the best deals in the Flathead Valley and takes 20 percent off for veterans and senior citizens” is an advertisement and won’t get printed.

For instance, it would be fine to write, “I think it’s great that this business gives discounts to senior citizens and veterans because it shows they care” because the price isn’t mentioned and it’s pointing out someone impacting others.

Unlike some news sources, I refuse to let our news indicate any opinion about the subject. When I was reporting on how the county library system’s funding is smaller than other similarly sized library systems in the state and nationally, and how the county does not maintain roads built after 1983, the articles contained only facts.

In a news article it’s fine for anyone involved in the topic to express an opinion except the reporter. He can’t write, “It’s terrible that the county doesn’t fund this,” but if someone involved says it then it can be included by writing, “‘It’s terrible the county doesn’t fund this,’ Joe Schmo said.”

At a recent school board meeting in Lakeside the parents in attendance told me I should write how terrible it is that the road near Lakeside Elementary isn’t plowed. I agree with them, but I can’t put that in the article unless someone says it on the record.

However, on this page I can and will say it is my opinion it is hazardous that the county does not plow the steep and icy road near Lakeside Elementary School.

It is also my opinion that our county’s priorities are skewed because funding public libraries opens up the opportunity for citizens to better themselves. It is my opinion that a well-read person is better able to start his own business or get a better job as a way to solve his financial problems.

That’s what I believe on those topics, and that’s what this page is for. The rest of the paper is facts and what experts say.

Is the Legislature ticking you off? Tell us why you think a certain House or Senate bill is a bad idea.

Are you proud of a politician? Write about how their actions are making a positive impact.

This page is for the rest of us, involved or simply on the sidelines, to get on our soapbox and declare our beliefs.