When I first agreed to write a column in the Triplicate eight months ago, I assumed Page Two, the Triplicate’s Opinion Page, would take on the form of polite discourse over various issues occurring at the local level, and maybe a few even further afield. Well, eight months have elapsed, and other opinions appear to have fled Page Two entirely. While it has been gratifying to learn from various members of the public, my words have struck a chord, it remains a mystery what has happened to the challengers with differing opinions. Have they no answers? No alternatives? Nothing to write?When I first chanced to read the Triplicate fifty years ago, it was a print paper published six times a week, a robust “Opinion Page” with regular “letters to the editor” which quite often crowded over to Page Three. There was the expected opinion column which contained a back and forth about the issues of the day. It was a pleasure to read, informative to read and served the community well. #placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');In the late seventies things began to change with print media. The computer media became more prevalent as a source of news, and the print media began to lose its grip as the source of news. The Triplicate, once reasonably objective, seemed to become less centered and focused. Its importance as a purveyor of news declined along with content in Page Two. With a little help from the voiceless and written wordless perhaps it can return as a necessary part of Del Norte County life. So where are you? While I am aware my opinions in some quarters are not well received, it remains a mystery why someone has not taken up the mantle of scribbler in opposition. Is there no one in Del Norte County who thinks we do not have enough people utilizing the services offered by the Department of Health and Human Services? No one who thinks the citizens of Del Norte County do not already pay enough taxes? Thinks we have a Sherrif’s Department perfectly suited to the needs of the County? Roads pothole- free? A harbor which continues to chase the “golden egg” without regard to lack of funding to accomplish such fantasies? Volunteer fire departments needing to be paid? A School district continues to educate acceptably?Where have all the leftist/progressive/liberal scribblers gone? Scuttled away like mice when their favorite criminal illegal alien was found to be less acceptable to most of the public? Men pretending to be women competing in women’s sports? Offshore wind, EV mandates, net zero unreliable energy, climate change is the only way to go? Not enough homeless to house? Not enough crime? Inflation? I would welcome a bit of well thought out opposition on Page Two. So where are you? Do the opposition scribblers fear the public’s response to it’s fantasies? Have you nothing to offer which would solve a few of the issues to be found in the County? Make life better for all of its citizens instead of pandering to the growing population of government dependents? Perhaps, reducing the size and scope of local government not appealing? So many topics to consider. So many differing opinions. Is there someone in the realm of opposition scribblers in Del Norte County willing to pen a few lines of differing opinion? Or has the opposition painted itself in such tight quarters, they, the Kevin Hendrick clones, are unwilling to be exposed? What is it? A printed invitation necessary? Not enough “time”? Too busy, but not too busy to complain? What is the excuse de jour for not opining in Page Two?As I will continue to write my weekly column in the Triplicate, I am willing to share Page Two with any who wish to challenge my opinions. Strike up a lively debate for anyone thoughtful enough to take up the offer and breathe life into page Two again. “Letters to the editor” for those of few words are a way to get started. Will the loyal opposition scribblers take up pen or remain on the sidelines? Only time will tell. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });