Opinions on Opinions

Beyond whether you agree or disagree with the opinion expressed in an editorial, what makes it well written?  I bring this up because opinions and (respectful) debate are a main focus for this group.  To me, besides the qualities that make any lit good, editorials have to convince or at least open the mind in some small way.  This means using carefully-crafted, sometimes passionate prose, and a clear theme well supported by valid arguments and accurate facts.  In other words, writing practices that are fair, honest and intelligent.  A couple of sites I've found myself running to far too often for unbiased and accurate information are:  factcheck.org and snopes.com.  All over the nets I'm seeing way too much partisan language (labels, double-speak and catch phrases) and misinformation due to a general failure to use and cite reliable, verifiable sources -- in other words, sloppy research and lazy writing.  I'm tired of editorials that read like opposing sides lobbing misaimed balls of verbal excrement at one another. It reminds me of the French/ Brit confrontation scene in Monty Python's Holy Grail.  "I fart in your general direction" still makes me laugh, especially when I think it could be a 'windy' day.  

Here's a letter I wrote to the education minister of my province over a decade ago.  I was pretty proud of it at the time and it was read in the legislature (a modest honour in the Great White North).  I realize you won't be familiar with the particular issues, so just give it a quick scan and assume that I did the requiste fact-checking before I put pen to paper.  I'm simply putting it up here as a 'good' example of using prose to present a viewpoint and convince:

Dear [minister],

Please give me 10 good reasons why I shouldn’t move my four children into the private school system.  Sadly, I can give you 10 reasons why I should.  I say sadly because I support the notion of public schooling, the idea that all children have an equal right to a first-rate education despite economic status, learning ability, language barriers, race or religion.  But five years of turmoil in public education in this province culminating in the appointment of a supervisor to run the Toronto District School Board in place of democratically elected trustees have left me feeling disenfranchised as a citizen and a parent.  So, I am willing to set aside my high ideals to ensure that my children will receive a decent education in the private system for the following reasons:

1. The province has made private school tuitions affordable for my family through the Equity in Education Tax Credit.  I had considered home schooling, but there is no recognition within the tax system for my time or income loss.
2. My children’s education will not be disrupted due to money squabbles between the school trustees, labour and the province and its flawed funding formula.
3. My children will have the programs and supports they need at the elementary level.  (In the case of my children, instrumental music and outdoor education.)
4. Class sizes will be small, and my children and special needs students will receive the supervision and individual attention they require.
5. Parent councils at private schools do not have to raise funds for basic school supplies such as textbooks, gym equipment, technology or library books.  Parent volunteers with time and money to donate will not be asked to give more and more each year to make up for gaps in funding.  
6. Private school buildings and grounds are well kept because there is more to running a school than what goes on in the classroom.  No peeling paint, leaky roof, vermin, filthy carpets and draperies, and no aging boiler that requires constant monitoring.  Also, I will not have to spend another summer’s day with my fellow parents weeding and pruning the school gardens, since unkempt grounds lead to complaints from neighbours and more graffiti and vandalism.  
7. My child’s school will not be threatened with closure.  
8. My children will be safer because there will be adequate staff to administer safe arrivals programs and to spot intruders on school property.  
9. Access to school trustees cannot be taken away from parents.
10. I will not have to fight tirelessly to ensure that my children receive a decent education.  

[Minister], I would rather not become a traitor to my ideals for public education.  If you can provide 10 good reasons why I should not switch my to support the private system, I will seriously consider changing my mind.    

Sincerely,


I know I can just scroll on by bad writing.  But here on dA, we have the opportunity to educate others about critical thinking skills, good research practices and good writing.  What advice would you give to writers thinking of penning an editorial?  Writers and readers alike feel free to share your thoughts.  Don't hesitate to share examples of good or not-so-good editorial lit from around dA.

Non-partisan well wishes

MsK