Editor:
Your editorial of Dec. 13, 2011 deserves some commentary. The editorial was entitled “Base opinions on facts.” It was about the mine forum that was hosted by the TNG on Thursday, Dec. 8.
Your editorial states that “everyone is entitled to their opinion.”
The editorial further states that “there was definitely some misinformation floating around the meeting.” An interesting journalistic phrase.
There certainly was a wide range of opinions expressed about the mine proposal. That was the purpose of the forum.
To imply that only Taseko has the facts on which to base opinions is not accurate. Taseko has used some widely speculative numbers about job prospects.
The “facts” come from a variety of sources, some extremely reliable, some not.
Your editorial also says “there also seemed to be a bit of fear mongering at the meeting.”
The method of attempting to weaken opposing opinion has been used before and is not a reputable form of argument. An editorial should be above such methods.
The fact that there were approximately 120 people at the forum should be an indication that many citizens are interested in hearing a range of opinions, facts, and viewpoints as they attempt to arrive at a sensible opinion about the mine application.
Your newspaper should encourage this process.
John Dressler, for the
Williams Lake Chapter of the Council of Canadians