An Educational Moment

To the Editor:

As a member of the Board of Education, Anna Wiedemann [“Platitudes And Platforms,” Letter Hive, 8/14/09] knows that an integral part of any education includes understanding the use of language as a tool for persuasion and to identify the various writing styles used to elicit emotion and engage the reader. By clarifying the difference between platitudes and platforms Ms Wiedemann has done a great a service to the public by citing the resources of information and giving examples to enhance comprehension of the two terms.

Ms Wiedemann goes on to introduce us to allegory by evoking the images of WWII and the Cold War when she states: “So, in review who but the staunchest Stalinist, Fascist would not be in support of such a ‘Sugar Me Sweet’ Platform?” This strategy was used quite successfully in the 1950s when the McCarthy movement claimed: “You are either with us or against,” and “Better Dead than Red,” causing neighbors and colleagues to turn against each other.

Understanding the difference between fact and opinion is paramount to a student making an informed decision. Identifying points that can be traced to a recorded source such as voting record is factual. Stating that the goal of IPN, or any other party, is to acquire public office with the intent to manipulate the budget “so only the upper middle class” can afford to live in the community or those who disagree are to be construed as Fascists or Stalinists, is opinion, a personal interpretation. Indeed that is why this section of the paper is called Opinion.

Civil public discourse is necessary for the growth and evolution of democracy. Including specific facts to support a stance when writing letters helps us all understand the issues so relevant to our community and better understand the needs of our neighbors. We should be wary of deeming opinions or thoughts different from ours as platitudes unworthy of discussion; for it was so-called platitudes that eventually gained all Americans the right to vote.

May the editorials, opinion, and letters that appear in The Bee this election stimulate thought and civil exchange of ideas so we may continue to build a stronger community.

Karen C. Pierce

10 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                              August 19, 2009

(Karen Pierce is a candidate for the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers on the Independent Party of Newtown ticket this year.)