Want to feel a community’s pulse?

Take a look at the local newspaper’s letter section.

The Islands’ Sounder has an incredibly healthy and diverse letters section. We have you, our readers, to thank.

Within our opinion pages, you’ve covered the issues that concern each and every one of us, from the rec levy to county permitting to the ferry system. We are an island that cares, and we’re proud that our newspaper remains a nexus for community discussion.

In a time of anonymous online commenting, it is refreshing to see so many traditional, signed “Letters to the editor.” We think you are demonstrating that the printed page holds more weight than pixels and pop-ups. Having said that, we do appreciate your thoughtful, civil input on our Web site.

We won’t always agree with each other, and as frustrating at that can be, we are pleased that you choose to debate meaningful issues inside our newspaper.

We hope you will continue to turn to the Sounder for comments from your friends, neighbors, and maybe even a few enemies.

Again: thank you, Orcas, for being engaged.