As an editor for the opinion section, I am one of the first people to read articles and letters submitted to The Student. Once in a while, I come across an article that has obviously been rashly written and is obscenely biased. These blatant biases jump out at impartial readers. In addition, they also discredit both the writer and the opinion that he or she represents. This is unfortunate because the points supporting such opinions are usually well-made, intelligent and researched.

After all, the writers for The Student are for the most part well- versed on their subjects. They are professors and students-learners. It's discouraging, though, to read the poor counter-arguments that are sometimes made. These incredibly intelligent, articulate writers get so caught up in the heat of their passion for an argument that they forget to carefully consider the valid points of the other side or even to consider the possibility that the other side may indeed have valid points. And if the opinion articles consist of slanted arguments with imperious words and skewed statistics, why should I read them and only further confuse myself on already controversial issues? Shouldn't I just try to get the facts for myself, decide for myself and avoid the swaying effect that others might have?

I must admit: I hate writing opinion articles. I hate the persistent onus to give an opinion that is not only strong and articulate, but also well thought out. I cringe at the sight of partiality and zealousness. My natural tendencies lie on the opposite side of the spectrum. I argue and reason so much internally that I completely forego the need to express my thoughts to others and thus to express my opinion at all. I often sand off the sharp corners of my arguments in order to polish them and make them presentable to others. Most of the time, I polish them until they consist of nothing but a balanced scale of pros and cons, leaving nothing resolved.

I suppose I just accept the world's problems (politics, international issues, U.S. policies) that present themselves right here at home in Amherst as is. Worse, I don't often get the chance to hear the opinions of others-opinions that just might tip the scales for me. Thus, my tendencies are not the healthiest; I am no example to follow. I do, however, think that both Student writers and I could do well to find a happy medium.

The Student is a great forum for discussion and expression of different viewpoints on issues that affect us all; however, we sometimes forget the discussion part of the deal. We take for granted the opportunity that The Student affords us. The truth is that talking at each other doesn't facilitate communication, and it never leads to a compromise or concession of validity to an opposing viewpoint. We are learners. Shouldn't we try to learn from each other?

On the other hand, passively sitting back and reading with suspicion and skepticism, as I myself admit to doing all too often, is not very constructive, either. If current overanalyzing non-writers mustered up the courage and effort to express their moderate viewpoints, I think that The Student readers would find a good balance in the opinion articles they read and would benefit greatly from the experience. I am optimistic that the Opine section can grow from two walls slapped with slung mud into a dynamic, compromising and effective vehicle for change.

Chau can be reached at vchau08@amherst.edu