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Genuine debate starts with facts, not opinion | Hilton Head Island Packet

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Letters to the Editor

Genuine debate starts with facts, not opinion

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January 25, 2011 12:01 AM

I, along with millions of other Americans, want and need civil discourse in our political system. However, genuine, civil debate necessitates a basis in fact. You can't bring your own set of facts. Therefore, I must respond to a recent letter writer.

  • We lack an energy policy. Did this "lack" originate with President Barack Obama or was there an Energy Department before Obama?
  • The Energy Department spends billions of dollars. What is the factual total?
  • The department hasn't come up with one solution to stop our dependence on foreign oil. Opinion, not fact.
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  • Electric cars are at least 20 years away. What are those vehicles sitting in showrooms? Or maybe they're not there because of a backlog of orders.
  • Solar power is cost prohibitive. Opinion; what's the factual basis?
  • No new nuclear plants. I think it takes more than two years to build a plant.
  • A not-in-my-backyard attitude about windmills. Drive through our country and you can see these majestic windmills perched by the dozens on hilltops.
  • Seniors will be starving. That's an exact example of the scare tactics we are trying to avoid.
  • One last point: How sick are you of hearing talking heads shouting above one another as they "civilly" discuss an issue while the "moderator" sits mum. Anyone who has ever been involved in a true debate knows that you must allow the opponent to state his case unfettered. The 24/7 news channels should institute a "let the person finish before you reply" requirement. Wouldn't that be novel but nice?

    Jim GroverHilton Head Island

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