This is the most loathed space in the entire paper.

For those of us who put out this fine, independent publication every day, one of the most feared phrases is "Will you write tomorrow's Inside Column?"

Why do people hate to write? Are we afraid to tell people what we're thinking, even if it goes against the "safe" route?

Does no one have anything to say anymore?

Have we lost our love of the written word, of the debate, of the radicalism that comes with speaking one's mind? Do we no longer feel the need for immediate response? Don't let us become reduced to a "whatever" society: a community of readers whose only response is the one-word cop-out.

Upset that the pop machine wouldn't take your dollar? Write about it. There's something there; there's no topic too small. Write about how technology has taken over our world and we can't even use it to buy some caffiene.

Once we say that there's a topic too insignificant to share one's thoughts, we put limits on ideas, freedoms and democracy itself. We might as well just put a ban on columns — nothing too small, nothing too antagonistic.

But I mean, who puts bans on freedom of speech? We all know that sort of thing is wrong and, frankly, just silly.

Even in the News department, we recognize that not everyone will read what we write and that many people just don't care. We even joke about it. We have to — it's often hours spent on unappreciated work. The same goes for these columns.

Who really cares what I think about friendship or the bookstore or black pants? But why should that stop me from expressing myself? Since when did expressing one's self become such a problem?

I detest every ideology of the Ku Klux Klan. Who are these morons walking around in sheets, masking their stupidity? But the fact of the matter is, they have every right to express [solely verbally] their stupidity.

These close-minded degenerates marched through the streets of New York recently [which, by the way, was a REALLY smart thing to do] proclaiming their everything-good-is-white-and-we're-white-therefore-we're-smart ideas. I was personally disgusted because of my inability to agree with utter unjustifiable ignorance, but not once did I disagree with their right to speak.

To me, the words of the Ku Klux Klan have as much right to be expressed as my simple views on black lycra.

One of the most vital components of this newspaper is the Viewpoint section. Turn to pages 14 and 15 and read what people have to say.

These pages are undoubtedly filled on a daily basis with some of the most intelligent, idiotic and humorous thoughts I've come across.

Absorb the opinions, don't just read them. Do they make you mad? Do you agree? Let people know. Even if no one reads it, get it off your chest. Trust me, you'll feel much better.

This is an appeal to both everyday readers and my colleagues. Something makes you mad. Something makes you smile. Why not share it?

Everyone has a viewpoint — use it.

The views expressed in the Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

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