It has long been our belief at the Hudson Reporter that the letters-to-the-editor page belongs to you, our readers. The page is a forum where you can voice your thoughts, problems, praise, perceived injustices, thank-yous, and opinions on issues. Our policy of printing unsigned letters is an attempt to protect authors concerned with possible retribution over the content of their letters. Of course, the authors of unsigned letters are always known and verified by our editors. It is unfortunate that some people misuse this policy. We encourage our readers to sign their letters; however, it is our opinion that the greater public good is served by allowing the free flow of ideas. Some have suggested that we use certain criteria to censor anonymous letters. This has never made us comfortable. It is very hard to say that one letter can run unsigned and one cannot. What seems simple and not problematic to us might bring emotional or personal harm to another. In these pages, The Hudson Reporter tries not to censor. If we only allow people to write what we think is fair and just, then the pages will be what we think, not what the writers think. That kind of letters page would not be a truly open place for our readers to state their facts and opinions. It is important to remember that the letters to the editor are the opinions of the writers, not the Reporter. We often disagree with particular letters, whether signed or not, but with the exception of libelous issues, do not censor your words. In those instances that do present a problem, we contact the writer to request verification of facts or to ask the writer to make changes in the letter. Although we are sometimes reminded that this system has flaws, it is through our uncensored letters policy that The Hudson Reporter letters page serves as an open forum. We encourage our readers use these pages in a positive and responsible way for the betterment of our communities.