Letters to the Editor for Tuesday, June 1, 2010

It’s about fraud, not academic freedom
In response to The News & Advance’s May 30 editorial, “Cuccinelli, UVa and Academic Freedom,” I think it would be constructive for your readers to know how Michael Mann conducted himself as a climate researcher at the University of Virginia.

Mann was at the center of what is now called “Climategate.” E-mails between Mann and officials from the IPCC (The United Nations climate change investigation unit) suggest they colluded to hide data from the public that would have, in their words, “diluted the message rather significantly” in reference to Mann’s now famous “hockey stick” graph, that purportedly proves a sharp upturn in global temperatures.

Mann himself, in an e-mail dated Sept. 22, 1999, said, “the skeptics will have a field day casting doubts on our ability to understand the factors that influence these estimates ... I’d hate to be the one to have to give it fodder.” Thus, he and his conspirators set out to quash data, to present a one-sided view of the true climate change scenario, what they themselves deemed “Mike’s Nature Trick.”

Does systematically suppressing data that fails to support a pre-ordained conclusion advance academic freedom? Quite the opposite.

People who are honestly gathering and presenting data have nothing to fear from investigation.

The professors and scientists opposing Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli should be thanking him for trying to root out what could be dishonest academics by Mann at UVa and helping to maintain academic purity, not destroying it. With the long tradition of the Honor Code that helps define UVa, I think Thomas Jefferson would be proud of Mr. Cuccinelli’s investigation.
ROBERT VOGEL
Lynchburg

Hurt backs the military
As a retired military officer, I would say that one of the most important things I could do during my service was to be able to cast my vote. For more than 20 years my wife and I voted by absentee ballot. This was as important to us as it is to those who can vote in their home districts.

In the last few years the military ballot has become a political football. The political party that feels the ballots cast will not support their candidate or their party has often made significant efforts to void the military vote. The U.S. mail, remote assignments and artificially created barriers have caused many absentee ballots to go uncounted. This is denigrating, demeaning and insulting to those who serve and support our freedom, and this frequently includes non-military voters as well.

State Sen. Robert Hurt recognized this travesty and has taken action to assure that Virginia absentee ballot voters will not fall victim to ballots mailed late by our state, to delayed distribution (for whatever reason) and to delays caused by overseas mailings. Specifically, Hurt’s involvement with SB 482, dealing with absentee ballots, provides for earlier mailing of the ballots in order to overcome these mailing and other distribution problems. Wording of the bill also eliminates most all of the political hodge-podge, as well.

There are several other reasons that Hurt will get my vote in the Fifth District Republican congressional primary on June 8, paramount among them are his experience, proven record and demonstrated fiscal responsibility.
WILLIAM O. SMITH
Moneta

Thanks from Concord
The Concord Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank everyone who attended the Annual Fireman’s Carnival held May 1. Our goal is to provide a day filled with fun family activities for the residents in Central Virginia. Whether you purchased a raffle ticket, played one of the games, place a bid on one of the awesome donated auction items, or purchased a delicious pork BBQ sandwich, we hope that you and your family had an enjoyable time.

With the overwhelming attendance at this year’s event, we realize just how honored we are to serve this great community. You are helping us to purchase much-needed equipment that’s necessary for us to continue providing emergency assistance to the community. We look forward to continuing the tradition of the Fireman’s Carnival next year and the other events we have planned throughout the year. If you would like to keep up-to-date with our activities and events, please visit us at www.concordfd.com. Thank you for your continued support!
STEVEN MAY
Public Relations Officer
Concord Volunteer Fire Department