From left to right: Daniel Hensley, Beverly Congdon, and Kyle Ferguson. All are regular editorialists for the Opinion Page and each editorialist will participate on the new Opinion Blogs.

Opinion Blogs. What are they and why do they matter? First off, the new Opinion Blogs make up a forum, or a place online where you can post messages and talk with other people.  Kind of like a chat room, but with conversations all on one website, and divided into topics. Anyone and everyone can ask any editorialist any question. The blog will be open all hours that school is not in session. Just be careful about your language—no cuss words, derogatory statements, personal attacks or libel—‘cuz we will boot you outta the blog. To be expected, right? 

Why does it matter? Why did the Grizzly Gazette take time to make the Opinion Blogs? It's simple really. Forming an opinion at this age is not only necessary, but essential for a happy, successful future. You can’t expect to be pleased with the direction of the government if you don’t even learn about the issues its dealing with. And guess what? What happens today affects our future. So don’t wait till you’re an adult till you start to care about the world around you. You also need to learn how to work with people of opposing views, goals, and cultures. This is America people! Not exactly a comfort zone in which you will only encounter people similar to you.  By talking with the editorialists of the Gazette you will learn a very important tool for your future: how to civilly disagree with someone. It’s not a very good representation of yourself, or your opinions, if you bite someone’s head off every time you don’t agree. 

To comment on the blogs written by the editorialists, you must first become a member of the forum that houses the blogs. To do that you must click the Register link near the top of the page. Complete the form that appears. The administrator will validate your account as soon as possible. Be sure to read the rules before posting comments. The moderators approve all comments manually, ensuring that nothing inappropriate gets through. Be warned, a failure to follow the rules will result in the banning of your account. A last bit of advice: Please use proper grammar and spelling when commenting on the blogs. It is not the job of the moderators to correct your every mistake and misspelling. Show everyone that you are capable of communicating in a professional and comprehendible manner. Use good grammar.

What is the point of being a human being on this planet without an opinion? How will you define yourself? Those who speak out and let their voices be heard are the ones who get what they want. How will the problems that affect you ever be addressed if you never voice your concerns in the first place? So send the editorialists questions or comments whenever you want. Members of the Gazette Staff will make sure they’re appropriate and post them as soon as possible. The editorialist in particular will reply back to you as many times as necessary. So speak out on the Opinion Blogs and let your thoughts, your concerns, your queries, be heard.