&letterheadJust the facts

or opinion?

TO THE EDITOR: I just read the letter to the editor by Andy MacDougal in the Saturday, Aug. 16 Press-Republican commenting on an earlier letter by Neal Duffy concerning global warming. It was most disturbing by what it said about Mr. MacDougal rather than Mr. Duffy.

Regardless of one's political belief or position on global warming, a national dialogue is ongoing and essential with legitimate diverse scientific input necessary for the layman to understand the complex issues involved. It seems there are those that oppose such a discourse such as Mr. MacDougal and believe quite emphatically that the issue is settled. It is far from it.

Many are still skeptical that it exists, or that if it does exist it is man made, or, if caused by man, to what extent and effect. Scientific opinion seems, to this writer, to be rather evenly split on the issue with some saying there has been no global warming since the late 90s and possibly some cooling. Do we yet have all the facts and are they definitive?

Rather than engage Mr. Duffy in a factual discussion of the issue and offering a reasoned rebuttal of Duffy's assertions, MacDougal resorted to pure character assassination. This smacks of the last resort of the immature, if I cannot defeat you based upon the facts of my argument then I will call you names and insult your integrity. He associates Duffy with Limbaugh; says he once back in the 1980s made some comment about the feminist movement MacDougal did not agree with; compares him to Ralph Kramden of Jackie Gleason days, flaunting his ignorance; and, insult of all insults, infers Duffy is so ignorant he probably does not believe the sun rises and sets daily.

Come on, Andy MacDougal, and those of like opinion. Please take on the issue and those that disagree with you in an intelligent respectful manner. Give us your facts, your opinion. Leave the other nonsense at home.

David Glenn

Plattsburgh

&letterheadPlayground

missed

TO THE EDITOR: As anyone who lives in the village of Champlain knows, there aren't a lot of places here young children can go and play. The only real place they could go was the old Champlain Elementary playground, but that was taken away from them when it was sold and is now private property. It could of at least been spared and kept as part of the public library.

It would be nice to see the town construct a new playground, but unfortunately I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Christine Rocheleau

Champlain