I just finished reading the responses to my column, specifically the one about teens roaming free that I wrote about two months ago, one of which cautioned the editor to be careful of what went in the paper.

First, I must make one note to all readers: my column does not reflect the opinion of the paper or the editor. He should not be held accountable for what I say. Second, I understand that my opinions are quite objectionable at times. I have given serious thought to all contradictions.

In fact, I welcome the objections to my opinions because they mean that people are actually reading my articles and because it gives me something to think about, just as I hope I’ve given you all something to think about.

I am still forming my own opinions, just as every human is. My ideas constantly develop and flex, and other opinions, especially opposing opinions, will tone the thoughts further. With your input, I find a greater understanding of the subjects I write about.

When I write my articles, I don’t mean to lay down an ultimatum, ever. But for the sake of argument and thought provocation, I must sound convinced of my own point, though I am never 100 percent certain of anything I say (no one can ever be 100 percent certain of anything besides their own existence).

Even if you disagree with my column, I hope that you don’t disregard it. After all, reading controversial thought will help shape you, whether you agree with it or not. We are defined by the things we hate just as much as the things we love, as much the things we disagree with as the things we agree with. To object to an article merely means to figure out what you believe, thus figure out yourself.

My articles are meant to provide food for thought. If you agree with me, great. But if you don’t agree, I hope my article helped reveal a truth you may not have thought of before, even if I don’t agree with that particular truth.

The one thing I can’t accept is apathy after reading. All writing is supposed to invoke something, anything, whether it is anger, inspiration, thought or sadness. If you feel nothing, think nothing, you probably didn’t think hard enough (either that or the reading was a worthless failure).

Try to be eclectic in readings, even if some readings frustrate you. If you disagree with me, keep reading, keep opposing.

Don’t avoid certain media just because you dislike its content. To do so is censorship, albeit self censorship. And we all know the effects of censorship (see Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”). Don’t censor yourself; it will result in severe close-mindedness.