Of late, there have been interesting discussions and contributions to the Letters to the Editor. The issues have ranged from religion, the role of churches and politics. The debate has been constructive and often brings knowledgeable thoughts.

We hope to bring an important point to the discussions. The credibility of these letters is increased and holds much more grit if the writers are willing to sign their names next to the letter. We have had letters from ardent readers willing to contribute, but they requested to write under pseudonyms. The newspaper knows who they are, but it's always important to let the public know your identity. This way, your contribution has more credibility.

The letters have been fantastic, and some contributors even show a flair for great literary work. During the big church’s annual conference, the viewpoints presented and the positive discussions were excellent. The take on the political situation presents the voice of the people, but without the willingness to put a name to the words, it can be compared to someone hiding behind a fake profile.

We do understand that at times, there is a fear that putting your name to the words may open you up to criticism and sometimes backlash from employers, especially if you are a civil servant. It would be wrong and illegal for any employer to victimise you if your views were fair, credible and factual.

Letters to the Editor are an excellent way to express your views on any number of subjects, and we value differences of opinion. It is in the marketplace of a variety of ideologies that one can get a clearer vision of what is right and what is wrong.

Openness of one’s mind and the willingness to examine differing views and differences of opinion allow a person to draw the best conclusion. Few can respect a person or that person’s ideology if that individual does not have the fortitude to sign their name to what they purport to believe. Freedom of speech is a right in this nation. It should not be taken for granted. The right to freedom of speech should never be abused.

We welcome Letters to the Editor. We equally welcome those who agree with our views and those who don’t. Freedom of expression is a foundational element of a true democracy. If you believe in something to the extent that you desire to have that published in a newspaper, dare to sign your name.

Even to this day, in many instances, a man’s or woman’s word and a handshake are a binding agreement. The binding was for the simple reason that it was that person’s character that made it a contract.

To hide behind an anonymous letter or a fake name says the opposite about a person’s integrity and character. We have the guts to sign our names to what we write about and believe. We urge those who write to us to have the same courage. The nation is seeking a change, and for that, we need people to stand up and not be in the shadows.

When the nation’s fathers marched on Black Saturday to call for freedom from New Zealand, they marched and raised their voices and did not hide behind anything. Similarly, if we want a change from a government that is not willing to serve its people but serve itself, we need to make it known who we are.

We urge more letters. Your viewpoints can be contrasting, opposing and maybe the same. We need to let politicians know what the people want and that the people can no longer be subjected to the style of governance that has been seen in the previous governments.

We need a nation that is not only talking to itself but screaming. And for that, put a name to the words.