SEEK KNOWLEDGE, TRUTH WITH PERSPECTIVE

You are invited to join the Southeast Missourian as it embarks upon a new era of personal and community responsibility, foremost, by seeking knowledge and truth through the potential of this newspaper.

Pursuit of knowledge and truth is necessary if a democracy is to thrive. For knowledge and truth enable us to see reality in ever more accurate detail – economic, physical, political or theological – and do something about it. Moreover, knowledge and truth are the basis for freedom. For we have to know in order to choose. Ignorance and error limit and qualify our choosing.

This country's heritage of individual rights and personal freedom is a proud one. Yet sometimes we forget that freedom is not a given but a power by which we choose how to live. Knowledge and truth enable us to act responsibly. They are the tools which allow us to commit and to engage ourselves wisely and compassionately.

In order to nurture truth and knowledge, on April 6, the Southeast Missourian will begin a new editorial feature called "Perspective". This feature may not discover truth, for today we live in a complex world. But it will seek truth. And it will transmit informed opinion without distortion.

"Perspective" is a series of columns that will appear together on Mondays in this section of the newspaper. Here, a particular issue will be discussed from several points of view:in illustration, column and photographs. Who will write these columns? Provide the material?

You.

You are the one with the responsibility to make sure that your neighbors, your fellow citizens and your fellow voters are informed. Especially if you have an expertise or base of knowledge that is pertinent to the topic to be discussed.

Throughout American history, the press has been the transmission belt carrying ideas and information essential in a democracy from sources to the people. But it is public opinion and public participation that run the engine of democracy.

Today, on the opposite page is a list of upcoming Perspective topics. You are invited to write your opinion on these issues. Please note:this page will not exist for ax grinding. Instead, it exists for you, us and our neighbors to carry on a meaningful, constructive community dialogue.

The first four topics are Health Care Reform; Local Control of Cable; Tax Cuts; and Education Choices, Part One.

Three weeks before each topic is to run in our paper, we will print a summary of the major points pertaining to each particular subject. Discussion will not be limited to these points; they are listed only to help focus on what are the most important concerns.

A new topic will be added weekly. We welcome suggestions for upcoming issues.

Why is this endeavor titled "Perspective?" Because this word summarizes our intent. Perspective means:1. The relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to a whole, 2. Point of View.

Although "Perspective" will not be a panacea to community problems, it is intended to help put specific issues into a frame of reference that explains their significance. As State Representative Mary Kasten said, quoting H.L. Mencken:"For every complex problem there is a simple answer ... and it is wrong." With your help, "Perspective" will go beyond the simple.

The topics are before you. Help yourself.