Letters to the editor for Saturday, July 1, 2017

The weather: Fact vs. opinion

Worldwide, our climate is changing. This is an indisputable fact. Another fact is that humans are largely responsible for the change. However, some people (often with big bank accounts), opine that other “facts” (based on opinions) apply. In this case, opinions are advanced as if they were facts. Real facts based on science are validated, peer reviewed and open to critique by the scientific community.

The core of the issue is the difference between opinion and fact. Necessary action by our government is being hindered by persons who vote based on their opinions. According to former U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinions, but not his own facts.”

Carson City’s weather is changing for the worst. Over the past year, we experienced extreme weather in winter and summer. Winter’s record snowfall is rapidly melting, causing major flooding. Summer is starting out with extreme heat. What comes next — wildfires due to hot, dry weather and abundant vegetation.

On June 20, the Nevada Appeal printed an article entitled “Study Shows Earth’s Killer Heat Worsens.” Given that the primary responsibility of government is to protect its citizens, what should we expect from a government based on opinions instead of facts? Should we wait until our homes and businesses are destroyed and then expect our government to rebuild (using millions of our tax dollars)? Or should we focus on preventing future disasters?

We must not rely on the phony “facts” used by those seeking personal gain. But opinions based on real facts can help government address the coming troubles.

Bill Prowse

Carson City