We want to take a moment to clarify the meaning and, more importantly, the spirit behind letters to the editor published in the Butler Eagle.

As a newspaper, we encourage public dialogue on our Editorial Page. Historically, letters to the editor represented the backbone of American newspapers as our founding fathers forged this great nation on the right of free speech. The earliest news reports and commentaries in America's first newspapers most often came in the form of letters containing political and social discourse.

Letters to the editor represent the multitude of voices existing within our community. They are often published as completely as possible with little to no editing, as are letters submitted to newspapers across the nation, in our effort to maintain and encourage those diverse voices.

Letters to the editor are the voice and the opinion of our readers. They represent and reflect the opinions of the writer and not those of our newspaper or reporters.

To be clear, not all letters are based on issues or controversies. Many letters to the editor also raise awareness and award praise about positive deeds undertaken by selfless community members each and every day. These are stories occasionally missed by our newsroom in the daily hustle and bustle, and we welcome readers bringing them to our attention.

Letters to the editor often represent a platform whereby readers espouse controversial viewpoints about local government, schools, law enforcement, politics and other topics they deem important. You may agree or disagree with those opinions, and always have the right to respond.

We fully understand not all readers' views expressed on our pages will be met with support. That said, we appreciate the rights guaranteed by our forefathers ensuring their free speech to put forth their opinions. Lastly — and in many ways, most importantly — we welcome rebuttals and responses from readers.

Letter writers take the time to sit down, gather their thoughts and pen them to paper — or click computer keys in today's technologically savvy world. Regardless of the path it took arriving on our editorial doorstep, letters to the editor voice opinions, concerns and views of the readers in our local newspaper.