In brilliance or buffoonery, adroit analyses or miscalculation, we are all writers here. We make comments, clever, stupid, or sometimes hackneyed. This place is a kind of democracy. Though it is seldom recognized, democracies depend heavily upon tolerating opinions that conflict with our own. The privilege of speaking one's mind is sustained only by allowing others to speak theirs.

Good writers, above all, respect their readers. We should all try to do the same. We will fail from time to time, but the sense of unity that emerged from last summer's tragedy should strengthen our resolve.

A toast then: That we shall not beleaguer the point too much, shall not resort to labeling or name calling, and shall temper the sharp tongue. We will occupy this wolves den of fandom in a spirit of wit, wisdom, and unfamiliar glory. Now drain those glasses CHer's, this could be quite a year!