Greetings all. I am going to take my weekly space to respond to some criticism of myself and this journalistic institution. Normally we are not allowed to respond to letters to the editor, as the paper would normally fall into a sandbox fight between the two groups, lowering the overall quality of the paper. Yet, as this is a criticism of not just myself, but also the paper as a whole, it is necessary in this case to respond. To not respond would be a silent assent that what was said was correct. I beg a moment to differ.
The paper recently received complaints that I was bitter, out of touch and should not be published in the East Tennessean. I couldn’t agree more. I mean that, really. What does my writing have to do with anything in a newspaper? Not a damned thing. My works are little observational essays, little philosophical points, quite possible to publish in any medium, or no medium (as some, it seems, would like to see).
I can’t say that the complainants are incorrect when they said that I do not represent a large part, though “vast majority” may be a bit of an exaggeration, of the student body. However, I do not believe that manic-depression is a prerequisite to enjoying my work.
I also appreciate the credit given me when the authors of my criticism say that the East Tennessean “relies” solely upon me and my viewpoint. To say such is to deny credit to the many staff members and many other writers who work hard in Viewpoint and other sections.
While a criticism of my writing and its effects on others (I am in a strange way humbled that my words are taken with such gravity that they can weekly “suck the humanity and meaning out of life”) is warranted, and honestly appreciated, this slight to my colleagues is unacceptable.
I am also not the only editorial writer for the East Tennessean. Others write, albeit infrequently. It just so happens that I am a prolific writer, and as I write more, math would seem to dictate that I am published more. It’s not that I am preferentially published, it’s just that many times I am the only one who writes for that week. This is not a criticism of the writers.
They write when they can or when they really have something to say. They should be recognized and encouraged. But writing for this paper shouldn’t be a competition. If it is, it is one for honesty. I am who I am and I write what I know. I only expect as much from those I work with.
No one will believe me when I say that I like to see other people in the paper besides myself. We have many good Viewpoint writers, and many who will be so given time. Even I didn’t start out well-considered. I wrote for over a semester before anyone really started to take notice.
These gentlemen say that they wish the rest of the campus to be represented, and wish to bring a different voice. I say to them, OK, do it. There are open spaces for writers at the East Tennessean, from News to Viewpoint, Sports and Lifestyles. If you want a voice, come fill out an application. From the quality of the letter, an ability to write does not appear to be an inhibition, neither are concerns for length.
I am not leaving. There is a reason I get published every week: people read what I say. There is a reason that people read what I say: I am damn good at what I do.
Whether it should be there or not, it is and will be until I am forced out, killed or graduate. For those who tell me they like my writing, fear not. I am not going anywhere.
But I welcome any viewpoint, and any regular writer who would like to express their viewpoint. A fresh voice, even in opposition, is not unhealthy.
So, by all means, proceed. The students are waiting for you to give them a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

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