@ehBeth,
ehBeth wrote:They call the stuff on the op-ed page "opinion columns"
Yes, they're opinion columns all right. But they are located where they are located -- on the OpEd Page -- because those opinions frequently contradict the official opinions expressed by the editors on the facing page. At least that's how it is the USA. For all I know, in Canada US "editorials" might still be called "leaders," the British useage of Queen Victoria's day.