We believe that the Democrat and Chronicle's "Speaking Out" page is a vital community resource that merits publication seven days a week. In this financially difficult time, we understand that budget cuts are unavoidable, but the Speaking Out page should be among the last things to be eliminated rather than the first. As a community newspaper, the D&C has faithfully served its public by providing a forum for citizens to offer their opinions and expertise on matters of concern to our shared civic life. For many years, Speaking Out has hosted thoughtful, intelligent discussion of issues and ideas that matter to our community. With our area and our nation facing unprecedented challenges, the need for informed public discussion is more pressing now than at any other time in recent memory. Speaking Out is a focal point for that discussion, because if we cannot exchange our views on the problems we face, how will we solve them We therefore urge the Democrat and Chronicle to bring the Speaking Out page back in every edition of the paper.

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