“I’m so angry,” the caller told one of our editors.

That caller was responding to a column written by a newspaper contributor on diversity. The caller stated he was tired of hearing about diversity.

The columnist was stating that diversity might prove to be important in the 2024 election. While the column supported diversity, it also stated that a person’s service record should also be a major factor.

The column ended that we need to respect each other.

Unfortunately, respecting each other’s opinion or stance on issues is not so popular as Election Day approaches. Americans are deeply divided and more polarized than ever. And that polarization is drawing out the worst of us. It reflects in national media coverage of political candidates — especially of the race for the White House. We expect this egregious rhetoric to get worse during the next few months.

We feel this might be a good time review how to express your opinions on the editorial page.

The Journal encourages letters to the editor and op-ed submissions. It’s important to provide an outlet for readers to express one’s concern over particular issues or highlight core issues in society. The Journal encourages submissions that take on local, regional or state issues. However, issues of national or international importance are also acceptable.

The Journal requires letters to the editor to be 350 words or less in length. Op-ed submission can be longer (750-800 words tops), but should clearly express an opinion and cite evidence to prove your point. The letter or op-ed should be written in your own words — not copying from another publication or social media outlet.

Letters or op-ed submissions are published at the discretion of the editor, are subject to editing for length and content and may be rejected if considered libelous. But also can be rejected due to offensive or graphic phrasings or words.

Most of all, the Journal requires submissions to be respectful when addressing others with opposing opinions.

Anger won’t solve any problems and anger won’t persuade others to see your point of view. The Journal urges letter and op-ed writers to work around anger and write something that is thoughtful and respectful.