What a beautiful fall we are having. I think the leaves are more colorful and striking than any I’ve seen in many years. I hope you’ve been able to appreciate the splendor of the changing seasons and are looking forward to the holidays. With only eight more weeks until Christmas, the New Year will be here before we know it.
Recently we’ve received several emails from subscribers who are upset with some of Chris’ editorials. We are thankful to hear from you, and I believe the whole point of editorials is to provide an opportunity for the challenging of ideas and the facilitation of discussion. Some of those ideas may be uncomfortable to hear or touch on some hot button issues. That’s okay. We will not all agree at all times and an editorial is one person’s perspective. Feel free to write a Letter to the Editor for publication about a current topic and we will be happy to include it if we have the space.
Another concern voiced was that Chris does not reflect my views and desired direction for this newspaper. It is true that we do not agree on every topic, but I never wanted this newspaper to represent one person’s viewpoint. That is why we often print Guest Editorials that take a completely different position from our editor’s. (For example, here and here.) The newspaper was never meant to be the voice of one political party and if some of the editorials challenge the status quo, the arguments are at least worth considering. Whether readers agree with them is a decision only they can make.
Chris and I bring different perspectives to some issues, but I think that makes The Lancaster Patriot stronger. However, we are both committed to reporting the news truthfully and honestly. And when it comes to perspectives and editorials, we are both committed to allowing people to present their views on important issues. If the Bible is our final authority, then we should be willing to consider any argument in light of Scripture, even if it goes against what we are used to. I want more wrestling with issues and open discussion, especially from a biblical worldview, not less.
