When something is happening that you feel isn't right, are you one of the people who stands up and says so?
Are you someone who puts their neck on the line, who throws your opinion out there, no matter the consequences you might face?
Or are you someone who likes to complain about things, but isn't willing to put your name to it?
A lot of times, in a newspaper office, you get calls from people, complaining about things that have run or not run, in your publication. Sometimes, they will treat you to a diatribe lasting half an hour or more, telling you how wrong and stupid you are to think the way you do, or to have run the story that you've run, but when you ask their name, they're not willing to give it. Or, they're not willing to be quoted in a story as saying what they said, though they swear up and down that what they're saying is the truth.
Of those people, I ask this: why?
Why are you willing to go through the trouble of contacting a newspaper about an issue which you obviously feel passionate about, but not give your name? Why are you willing to share information with a reporter, information you swear is completely correct, but not stand behind it?
Some say they have political involvements, and that's the reason they can't get involved in a certain issue. Then why call a newspaper about it in the first place? If you can't talk about it, or don't want people to hear you talking about it, then don't talk. That's my opinion.
Others say they fear a backlash on their business or in their jobs if they voice their opinion. That could happen - I'm not saying it couldn't - but from someone who has to voice her opinion every week on some issue or another, I'll tell you, people are pretty reasonable when it comes right down to it. Though someone may tell you they disagree with something you said, they hardly ever throw anything at you. Because most recognize that opinions are as varied as the people who live in this world; they change from person to person. An opinion, in the end, can't be right or wrong; it can only be yours.
I admire the people who are passionate enough and have enough courage in their convictions to either say or do something to make those convictions known. Whether or not I agree with their opinions personally doesn't even matter. That they have the strength to stand up and say publicly, "This is what I think" is something to be applauded by everyone. Because clearly, not everyone is willing to do it.
KAD
