Posted by Ferry Man on November 19, 1997 at 18:31:51:
In Reply to: Re: The letter in the Manchester Evening News posted by Alison on November 19, 1997 at 13:29:09:
I don't dispute the right to free speech and to
hold an opinion. Its a foundation stone of modern
democracy.
However this right brings with it the
responsibility of substantiation. The opinion is
not valid unless it is supported by an arguement.
I'll amend my previous posting to say that the
MEN editor was wrong to include the letter because
it was opinion without real support.
Judging by the style of the letter I did not
believe you could have a constructive debate with
its author.
I'm sure that there were letters more worthy of
inclusion in that edition. Or maybe (as SSM hints)
the editor chose to include it just to provoke a
response.
Cheers
The Ferry Man