Try an open mind instead of insults
In his letter criticizing Todd Whitcombe for his views on proportional representation, Daryl Sturdy suggested that Prof. Whitcombe stick to chemistry and stay out of politics. He followed the well-worn path of insinuating that those who disagree with this position are peddling fear and oppressing their fellow citizens.
First, it is a good sign for Prince George, and for your newspaper, that people in Vancouver take the time to follow our conversations. An even better sign would be for them to learn from our discourse, even perhaps emulate local proPR advocates’ approach, rather than insulting people who take positions that they do not like.
Nowhere in Todd’s article did he engage in fear-mongering. He addressed a core assumption, taking a careful, considered position based on logic. In previous articles, Todd has drawn on experiences elsewhere to test whether aspects of proportional representation delivered the results its proponents claim we would enjoy. How logical examination and data analysis constitute fear and oppression is unclear to me.
In coming to my opinion about PR, I have spoken with three of its local advocates and read material put out by its proponents. In these conversations, local PR proponents have been cordial, informative, helpful and friendly. This positive approach caused me to much more carefully consider their position. After research and consideration, I have concluded PR will not deliver the benefits its supporters believe, or else will entail downsides that outweigh the benefits, but local proponents’ rational approaches got them a hearing that vitriol and bile would not have.
I won’t follow Mr. Sturdy’s approach and suggest that people I disagree with be silent. I suggest he visit and interact with his colleagues here so he might see how to advance a position effectively.
I hope you give him as loud a platform as possible. The more he speaks, the better life becomes for those of us opposing proportional representation. Charles Scott Prince George