Shiny new editors

Welcome back, welcome back, Opinion's back. I just thought a little rapper-turned-reverend-turned-rapper-again musical reference might be a good way to begin the semester. \nLet's hear it for new beginnings!\nThough, in my humble opinion, Mase's lyrical skills are just as questionable as they were when he left, this guy is back on the scene with a whole new image. \nAnd that's the great thing about going away and coming back -- there's always the opportunity to start anew. \nSo, in the spirit of Reverend Mason Betha -- I'd like to welcome you back!\nMy name is Melanie Sims. I'm a junior majoring in broadcast journalism and African-American studies. \nLast January, I submitted a sample column regarding the widespread use of the word "ghetto" and somehow ended up with a weekly column. Over the handful of months I worked as a columnist, I discussed everything from hip-hop-inspired Barbie dolls to gay choir directors, Army recruitment to all-men's clubs, Kanye West to Bill Cosby. \nI'm just one example of how the opinion page requires only one thing of its writers: passion. Okay, okay -- we value a little skill with the pen, too.\nBut the opinion desk's main focus is to keep you informed, entertained and, most importantly, thinking.\nMy co-editor, Kehla West, and I are hunting down great writers like nobody's business, and hopefully you'll appreciate what they have to say -- whether you agree or disagree with their opinions. \nMake checking out our section part of your daily routine. This page was meant for you.\n

Kehla West

\nWelcome back IU! \nNow that the niceties are out of the way, let's get down to business. \nMy name is Kehla West, and I'm a junior majoring in English and Spanish. My hometown is Cambridge City, Ind.\nNow that you know that, I'd like to remind you: this is your paper. The writers are students, the photographers are students, the designers are students. That's the IDS: for the students, by the students, about the students. (Especially if you get in trouble.) \nThursdays are the day for the Jordan River Forum, a whole page dedicated to your letters. Letters can be sent electronically to letters@indiana.edu, and I'm hoping that this semester is action-packed enough to generate a lot of mail. Flattery and abuse are both equally welcome. Do you think we're doing a great job? Let us know. Do you think we're screwing things up? Tell us. Is there something we're missing? We'd like to know. If we've really made you mad or particularly warmed your heart, stop by the office. I'm the one sitting in the sea of crumpled papers and old Diet Coke cans. \nI'll also take this chance to remind everyone that Melanie Sims, my co-editor, and I are accepting applications for columnists and cartoonists until Tuesday. If a letter to the editor alone can't slake your thirst for a platform, apply for a column or cartoon spot.\nI hope the semester holds good things for you and look forward to hearing from you.