It is with great joy that I am putting out this call for letters to the editor of Manistee Speaks. As many of you are no doubt aware, it's nearly impossible to put forward a dissenting view on social media without being censored. Even the Manistee News Advocate reserves the right to refuse to publish letters to the editor for any reason. The News Advocate is owned by Hearst Media Midwest, LLC, which in turn is owned by Hearst Communications, Inc- which describes itself as "one of the nation’s largest diversified media, information and services companies with more than 360 businesses".

Manistee Speaks is owned by 33 Gamma L.L.C. - a company I started right here in Manistee. This company was started with the goal of advancing citizens first amendment rights throughout the country. I have decided the best place to start is right here at home. Decisions about what's allowed on Manistee Speaks are made in consultation with the bill of rights - not in a corporate board room.

If you're interested in having your voice heard, I encourage you to send a letter to the editor of this publication (which at the moment is yours truly). Each letter should be kept under 1,000 words long. Additionally you can speak with each-other directly via the forums, but the latter does require that you register an account. While I can't offer you the same reach as Social Media or the News Advocate, I hope to offer you a more open platform to communicate on.

I hope to hear from you soon.