Letters to the Editor are a vital part of our civic life. The Opinion page of your local newspaper is either the first or second-most likely read page of the paper. Your neighbors read the opinion page to find outwhat their neighbors are thinking. If you want to be a part of the debate in our society, you HAVE TO write these letters. Particularly when the issue you are passionate about isn't getting adequate news coverage, or ifother letter writers (or the paper's own editorial staff) are misrepresenting the facts, or providing an analysis that you disagree with.But I know what you're thinking: "how do I know they'll print my letter?" The easy answer: you don't.But even if they don't print your letter, just sending it to the editor may be enough to convince the editor to follow up on the story. It might be one of several on the same topic that convinces the editor to print theleast controversial response. It's even possible that your take on the issue encourages the editor to investigate the issue in greater detail. Whatever happens, whether the big corporate paper you send it to prints it or not, writing that letter is the simplest way for you to flex your civicmuscles and influence the thinking of your fellow citizens.A few hints to get your letter published:

• Keep it short and sweet. Preferably under 100 words. Less than fifty is even better.
• If possible, refer to the article or other letter you are responding to.
• Add something new to the conversation.
• Express how this issue personally effects you.