You are probably wondering two things right now. Who am I? And what happened to The Hatchet’s old opinions editor?

I was asked by those managing the paper to assume the responsibilities of the opinions editor after my predecessor, Drew Holland, graduated in December.

Perhaps a brief introduction is in order.

My past experience with the paper involved working first as a news reporter. I then entered the precarious realm of writing opinion columns following Sept. 11, where I felt a need to break free from the confines of objective news reporting by way of a short-lived column I called “Post Sept. 11.” In my column, I let readers know our country’s war against terror is right and that television does no justice to the horrific aerial view of Ground Zero I saw from the window seat of my flight into New York.

As the opinions editor, I have been awarded the precious responsibility of guiding the voice of The Hatchet as well as providing an equal forum for debate among our diverse community members. My job includes selecting and editing letters, columns and cartoons to present different viewpoints on current events of both a global and local nature.

As always, your letters to the editor, columns, cartoons and comments will garner the attention they deserve. There will be times when The Hatchet espouses an opinion unpopular and controversial in the eyes of the GW community. This circumstance is unavoidable and necessary in a world in which healthy skepticism leads to more informed decisions. I will endeavor to use the page to evoke insight championing progress and common sense.

The Hatchet will also keep a watchful eye on President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg’s administration, as we have done in the past.. We are eager to hear the administration’s response to student requests for judicial changes and a review of the GW Code of Student Conduct that have been supported by this paper.

To administrators, I will only say that I offer you the editorial board’s fair, watchful eye – and we can both agree that students deserve to be placed ahead of all other interests.

Our humor columns should be interpreted as attempts at humor, so consider that before calling for someone’s head. The ability to engage in self-deprecating humor is an attractive quality, regardless of whether it is found in the common person or a leader. We live in a serious city, in a serious time and could all use the fresh view our humorists provide.

I encourage everyone in the community who agrees or disagrees with our stance, the University’s stance or someone else’s stance to make yourself heard. I welcome your comments. Whether I share a class with you, a field with you or a sidewalk with you, I will always listen.

Before I get back to work, let me thank you for your continued interest in our paper and our editorial pages. Those who take a keen interest in the affairs of their school are always serving their school’s best interests.

And to the class of 2002, Jan. 14 marks the beginning of the end for us. Let’s remember to stop and smell the roses on our way out. I’ve heard they’re quite nice.

-The writer, a senior majoring in business economics and public policy, is Hatchet opinions editor.