Dear Sir:
Mr. Mould’s recent letter echoes the silly and tiresome argument that you can find in the comment boards of any article that mentions David Suzuki.
First Nations or environmental opposition: we’re all hypocrites because we use fossil fuels and so, “right” thinking individuals should ignore our comments on climate change or any other issue, for that matter.
In the final question in his letter, Mr. Mould implies, rather than states, this conclusion. This is a logical flaw, called “begging the question”, but in any case, it is also a non-sequitur. It doesn’t follow that my driving a car invalidates the criticisms I make about the environmental risks involved in running a pipeline over hundreds of fish-bearing streams or in transporting oil in tankers down the Douglas Channel. This bitumen would be destined for China, not my gas tank.
I would have a great deal more optimism about mankind’s future on this planet if it were possible to have a rational debate in this country on significant issues that affect us all, rather than having to listen to “ad hominem” (personal) attacks from people who seem to care little about the legacy they leave their descendants.
Andrew Williams,
Terrace, BC