By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
Last week we put out a call – not for the first time – seeking submissions from moderate centrist and conservative columnists. We received several responses to our social media posts from folks expressing interests. But, unfortunately, that’s about as far as it went.
Some asked about the requirements, then never responded. Some provided promising samples, then thought better of attaching their name to anything political that could potentially impact future career or social interactions. Others lost interest as soon as they found out none of our columnists are paid positions.
That’s the thing about our columnists that we love, even (or especially) when we don’t agree with them; they’re passionate professionals in the writing field, and they’re sharing what they share out of a real love for our community, our society, and our state. Often, those opinions and passions aren’t even political. But when they are, it draws the attention of folks whose own partisan passions have been ignited by their rhetoric.
So, to balance our center left Independent contributor, and our regular contributor who openly identifies as a Democrat, we’re asking for contributors who identify as conservative, center-right, or centrists. It doesn’t have to be very often at all. Even one column per month would add some interesting perspective and alternate views. And it doesn’t always have to be political. In fact, it’s important to me, personally, that we have places outside politics to connect.
It’s the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down, so to speak.
So, this is our plea – once again – for someone to share this important point of view. To begin building bridges on our opinion page. To do, in print and in our communities, what we complain about folks failing to do in D.C. To engage, honestly and openly, and with respect; especially when we disagree.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
