That doesn't mean that the Wheel is only interested in dry discussions of University policy or student government. Humor and personal reflection are often two of the most powerful tools of persuasion. But it is too easy to fall into the sophomoric trap of wanting to write long rants about nothing, make needless destructive attacks and weigh in with an opinion about the national news. That's not what this section is here to facilitate. Believe it or not, these pages are one of the most powerful vehicles of change on this campus.
Ideas have consequences, but only if they can reach the people that they are intended to influence.
But ideas also have to have credibility behind them. Many of the regular columnists whose opinions readers have grown to heed will be continuing to write this semester. Joining them will be some veteran members of the Wheel staff, as well as student and community leaders who will write about their areas of expertise. Anyone can write a letter to the editor, but columns should have some weight behind them. Editorial Page Editor Mark Kawar is a College senior from Bethesda, Maryland.