The Editorial Page, more than any part of the newspaper, is the section that constantly reminds us that we live in a democracy and have the right of free speech. It is on these pages that a free society can express itself without fear of reprisal. Here you can comment on any facet of life, even criticize, if you write tastefully and follow the established procedure.
Who are some of the people that express their opinions on the Editorial pages? The very first section is reserved for the
newspaper’s opinions
on local, national and international issues. In a democratic society the editorial content is not controlled or influenced by the government, military or any other outside force. The owners and editors are allowed to be honest to themselves without fear of being shut down, which happens all the time in countries ruled by dictators. The Board of Directors confidently publish their names and just below their opinions.
Another person who expresses his or her opinion is the
political cartoonist
. The cartoonist does it with humor, satire, and often in a sardonic manner.
Readers
contribute their opinions and feelings on the Editorial page with their
Letters to the Editor
. These letters are written to express, inform and correct the newspaper’s readership about issues of concern.
In the
Viewpoint
section people have their opinion or response to a particular “question or issue of the day” printed along with their photographs.
Columnists
also express their opinion and offer solutions to the major issues of the day both national and local. Often the columnists are
nationally syndicated
and have their column read all over the country. Local columnists may be employed by the particular newspaper to produce a daily, twice or thrice weekly, or weekly column.
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The Forum
section allows for an expert or professional in a particular discipline or field to comment on some aspect of their area of expertise—especially if it relates to a timely social concern.
The pages from the Past
section allows us to refer to history and put today’s issues in a proper perspective.
A relative newcomer to the Editorial page is the
Doonesbury
comic strip. Originally it was in the comics section with the other strips. However, as its content became more of a political and social commentary, editors across the nation relocated it to the editorial page, not without the disapproval of its creator.
The Editorial section is the “people’s page.” This is where every citizen should be proud to exercise his or her hardearned right to speak out. No other part of the newspaper will allow you this opportunity unless you make news and are quoted by a reporter. It is the only forum available to the average person from which he can share ideas and opinions with his fellow citizens. Keep in mind that a wellwritten editorial uses facts along with opinions to support and give creedence to any argument or position and guide readers into agreement or at least respect.
Reading the Editorials
Answer the following questions using the Editorials printed on page
1.
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In the list of Editors and Directors who is the Publisher?
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The Editor and CEO? The Editorial Page Editor?
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2.
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What are the issue’s two major Editorials about?
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3.
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What is the main point the editorial about judge selection makes?
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4.
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What sentence in large type serves as the editorial’s topic? Write it in other words.
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5.
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What Holiday is the editorial about hearts directed to?
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6.
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What is the editorial’s opinion about candy as a Valentine’s Day gift? Why?
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7.
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Name five things that would make a better gift.
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8.
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Write five facts from the “heart” editorial.
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9.
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What is the topic sentence for the editorial?
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10.
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Do you think these editorials are wellwritten? Why or why not?
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The Editorial Section
Questions for discussion:
1.
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Why do you think the letter about Ronald Reagan was printed with a shaded background?
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2.
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Do you think that the six people who answered the question of the day in viewpoint represent a good cross-section of our society? Why or why not?
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3.
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The Forum is usually reserved for the opinion of professionals or experts in the field which they are writing about. Read the Editorial by Shirlee Taylor Haizlip. How does her position qualify her to write about Black History Month?
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4.
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Who are the syndicated columnists on this issues editorial page? What is the theme of their commentary?
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5.
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Why do you think there is an interest in news from the past? How is the past connected to the present and the future as demonstrated by the items in Pages From The Past?
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6.
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Why is the comic strip
Doonesbury
on the Editorial page and not on the comic page with other cartoon strips?
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