Don't publish climate denier letters?

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John Gear

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Oct 28, 2013, 10:22:03 AM10/28/13
to UUCS Coffee Hour, UUSC
I'm ambivalent about this, because it is important, in my opinion, that climate deniers, like Holocaust deniers, not be hidden or given any further excuse to feel a sense of oppression.  If, as Rick said, repeating the truth to people doesn't change their minds, why is repeating error any different?  I would much rather have climate deniers publishing their absurd denials out where everyone can see them and thus realize how much work we have to do.

Forcing error off the page doesn't correct it, only suppresses it.  All those Romney pollsters who claimed the polls showing an Obama victory were nonsense were people who looked at only the opinions they liked and agreed with.  Although I know that climate change deniers are full of bull, I'd far rather be able to know how many and how active they are than to be mislead into thinking they had gone away because they aren't getting letters to the editor published any longer.

John Gear Law Office
A values-based Oregon law practice serving consumers, elders, employees, and nonprofits

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Digest #980

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Sun Oct 27, 2013 5:46 pm (PDT) . Posted by:

"Paul Manka"

To All,

Normally I refrain from passing along e-mails to this list. However, in
light of today's sermon by Rev. Davis, I thought it was a reasonable and
appropriate thing to do.

I just took action to demand that the New York Times and Washington Post
follow the lead of the L.A. Times and adopt policies of refusing to publish
any letters to the editor or other content that denies climate change. I
think you should too.

http://www.credomobilize.com/petitions/tell-the-washington-post-and-new-york
-times-don-t-promote-climate-change-denial?sp_ref=16485300.4.941.e.0.2
<http://www.credomobilize.com/petitions/tell-the-washington-post-and-new-yor
k-times-don-t-promote-climate-change-denial?sp_ref=16485300.4.941.e.0.2&sour
ce=mailto_sp> &source=mailto_sp

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David Gortner

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Oct 28, 2013, 12:43:35 PM10/28/13
to Paul Manka, John Gear, UUCS Coffee Hour, UUSC
Not publishing letters from climate change deniers seems  to me like it goes against what we think our country stands for - freedom of speech.  I disagree with the policy of the LA Times to not publish statements from climate deniers, no matter how much I disagree with those who do deny climate change.

David Gortner


On Monday, October 28, 2013 8:40 AM, Paul Manka <ptm...@comcast.net> wrote:
 
I disagree because climate change is a discussion about facts and reality based on scientific research not opinion.
 
As mentioned in the LA Times editorial policy, their editorial duties are to not only correct grammar but also not publish statements that are untrue. As a lawyer, I am sure you are familiar with slander issues and newspapers assiduously make sure slanderous letters are not published. I see the climate deniers as slanderers of scientific research and findings.
 
I subscribe  to both the New York Times and Washington Post because I feel that they provide me with access to the broadest range of information. It is for this reason that I signed the petition.
 
Given your qualms, don’t sign the petititon.
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Richard Davis

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Oct 28, 2013, 6:48:37 PM10/28/13
to George Struble, David Gortner, Paul Manka, John Gear, UUCS Coffee Hour, UUSC
This is an interesting discussion and, as usual, I can see wisdom flowing from both sides.  A year or so ago I saw a book at Costco that had this line in on the front:  "How Moslems and Liberals are destroying America."  I took a copy up to the front desk and asked a manager if he thought someone would be upset if this said "How Christians (or Jews) and liberals are destroying America"? (Obviously yes)   I pointed out the Costco has Moslem customers too and how would this make them feel?   The next day when I went to Costco there was no trace of the book - I believe it was removed.  Later I told Peter Bergel about this and he disagreed with me for putting pressure on Costco (I identitifed myself as local clergy) to remove the book.  Which of us is right?  I believe I did the right thing, but people can disagree on this one.   This is a very tricky question to answer and whichever way you come down, it has implications that can seem troublesome.   Just to affirm the healthiness of this discussion.  That's all.  See ya, Rick


On Mon, Oct 28, 2013 at 10:09 AM, George Struble <gstr...@willamette.edu> wrote:
Freedom of speech has never meant freedom to speak whatever one wishes on every platform one might choose.  The publishers of the LA Times have the right -- of free speech -- to publish what THEY wish.  Climate deniers have the right to publish their stuff in their own newsletters and in other newspapers that are willing to print it.  Similarly, people who want to address the public orally have the right to do so -- in certain places.  But it has been established that shopping malls do not have to provide a soapbox on their premises.

George
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