Some has been justified and some has been understandable. But most of it has been hurtful. Teachers have attacked the section by running copies of certain articles off, passing them out in class and offering extra-credit to anyone who would write in a letter to the editor attacking the columnists viewpoints. Students have posted Web sites attacking the section and encouraging others to do so. Mayors of cities have called me, administrators and instructors have voiced their dislike of certain columns.
Praise does come, but it is infrequent.
As you can clearly see, being an opinion editor is hard. But it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I have learned how to deal with people who do not share my opinions. I have learned how to take the bad with the good and keep pressing forward. I have learned how to let go, how to hold on, and I have gained the wisdom to differentiate between the two.