Opinion Archives

Letter to the Editor: Not Left, Not Right. Together.

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January 27, 2026

Layne Deuel of Lockport Township writes, "I humbly ask that all of us stand up to ICE and demand immediate, tangible change to this armed force. By speaking out, it does not make you less conservative or more liberal, it makes you truly American. The rebellious spirit to stand up to the wolf at the door is something that has been instilled in all of us. We cannot let that fire burn out now. We must stand together and push for change immediately. As Americans, we cannot fail the spirit of Americans before us or those who come after us."

Doug Sears, Jr.: Shining a Light on Audience Behavior

By Doug Sears, Jr.

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Opinion

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December 30, 2025

Watershed Voice's Doug Sears, Jr. writes about a recent experience at the movie theater that induced anger, reflection, and ultimately empathy. "My rage was palpable, as movie theater misbehavior is high on my list of modern pet peeves. But I'm trying really hard to stay in the 'live and let live' mentality, and I don't want to compound her distraction by calling it out. I’d hate to initiate a prolonged argument with a stubbornly rude individual and draw everyone in the theater, even those who don't notice the Beacon of Gondor from their seat, into my distraction."

Charles Thomas: Maybe it’s not too late

By Charles Thomas

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Opinion

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December 29, 2025

Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, "Most of us have at least a few dreams that have been deferred. For you, it might not be a degree you dream of but starting a business or having another romantic relationship. You could have a dream about becoming a non-smoker or to find more meaningful work. Whatever your dream is, you may be thinking that it’s too late to achieve it. But consider this: what if you’re wrong?"

Maxwell Knauer: A staff writer’s plea to support local, independent news

By Maxwell Knauer

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Opinion

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December 22, 2025

Staff Writer Maxwell Knauer writes, "Watershed Voice is a not for profit, independent news outlet, and that means a lot to me. The fact that we exist as a free to act, independent entity working to provide rural Michiganders with the facts of what is going on in their community is not something I take lightly. In fact, it's why I work here in the first place. We are in charge of our reporting, not a giant media conglomerate. And by we, I mean you all because we are funded by our readers which is why we work for our readers."

Haak-Frost: Remembering the radical kindness of my heroes

By Alek Haak-Frost

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Culture

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November 4, 2025

Executive Editor Alek Haak-Frost reflects on the lives and legacies of three childhood heroes who, each in their own way, practiced radical kindness.

Letter to the Editor: Ranked Choice Voting

By Watershed Voice

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Culture

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October 28, 2025

Naomi Ludman, chair of the Cass County Democratic Party, writes, "Our representative democracy only works when we all believe it works based on our lived experiences. This is one reason that many disillusioned voters are turning to Ranked Choice Voting."

‘One Battle After Another’ review: There will be bud

By Matt Erspamer

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Culture

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October 2, 2025

Watershed Voice’s Matt Erspamer says Paul Thomas Anderson's new film is both a propulsive stoner action comedy and a moving father/daughter tale.

Charles Thomas: One Question to Transform Your Relationships

By Charles Thomas

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Opinion

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August 26, 2025

Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, "there is one question that you can ask yourself to massively improve the quality of your relationships. And even better, it’s a very simple one." What is that question? Read Charles' Big World, Small Town column to find out.

Letter to the Editor: Southwestern Michigan College needs to expand its presidential search committee

By Watershed Voice

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Opinion

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August 13, 2025

Gerry Bundle of Cassopolis writes, "We now publicly appeal to SMC’s Board of Trustees to reconsider, and to expand the Presidential Search Committee toward representing the unrepresented with a sense of resolve over resistance."

Letter to the Editor: Public libraries are a bastion of the common good

By Watershed Voice

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Opinion

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August 12, 2025

Rev. Nicole Smith of Three Rivers writes, "Sadly, with the fracturing we are experiencing in American society the 'common good' has suffered terribly. Now we are wired and trained to think only of things that benefit us as individuals, with no consideration of the ripple effect such behavior has on our communities and society at large. In secular language we call this selfishness, in the Church, we call it Sin. Thankfully there is a place where community and individualism come together in a healthy way that promotes the 'common good.' That place is the local library, if you are lucky enough to have one in your town."

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