Antelope Valley Press

Accuracy counts

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Mike Watson claimed education doesn’t automatica­lly equate to intelligen­ce, and “Just because you were discipline­d to pass tests doesn’t equal wisdom or common sense.”

But wisdom and common sense aren’t quantifiab­le. Conversely, knowledge is measured by the time and training invested in procuring the knowledge acquired through education. So, although common sense is critical toward performing menial tasks, like driving or using scissors, significan­t accomplish­ments aren’t achieved through common sense.

Albert Einstein didn’t develop the theory of relativity through common sense. Nor did Jonas Salk advance the polio vaccine via common sense.

Those noteworthy accomplish­ments were the results of intelligen­ce and education.

So, education and the ability to pass a test do automatica­lly equate to intelligen­ce. Therefore, people, particular­ly right-wingers, who often elevate wisdom and common sense over intelligen­ce, shouldn’t praise themselves for coming in from the rain or crossing a street without being run over.

John Manning: “If you don’t like the argument in disagreeme­nt to your opinion, then change the subject and engage in ad hominem personal attacks ... it’s commonplac­e in our local letters section...” (10.24.21).

I wrote, “Aside from Manning’s gibberish concerning socialism, which has been debunked on numerous occasions sans any response from the knowledgel­ess Manning...” (10.19.21).

That wasn’t ad hominem because, as indicated, I have, on numerous occasions, argued against Manning’s ill-informed arguments regarding socialism. His plaintive cry of “ad hominem personal attack” served as an avoidance tactic intended to detract from his knowing nothing about socialist thought.

Thomas Russell Horner: ‘... Mr. Marsh would do well to be somewhat factual in [his] letters.”

In which letters haven’t I been factual, Mr. Horner?

Horner won’t respond because none of my letters lack a factual basis. Instead, he knows my writings to be accurate but is desperate to convince the readership otherwise.

Guy Marsh

Lancaster

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