To the editor:

I am writing in response to the two Cliff Cave Park letters in the Feb. 16 Call.

Ernie Trakas began his reign as 6th Dis-trict county councilman on Jan. 1.

Since that time, he has had to acquaint himself with the construction proposals at Cliff Cave Park. It is imperative that he fully understands the issues and concerns of the residents living in the vicinity of this project.

The first letter to the editor demeaned his efforts by making all kinds of accusations and calling him names. He is “threatening,” “cruelly undermining,” “profoundly uninformed,” “disingenuous,” “no expertise,” “chooses not to be involved,” “will ignore your calls and emails” — this is conjecture, not fact — “reckless with hubris,” “hostage taker,” “irrational,” “lacking courage,” “throwing businesses off the cliff” and “saboteur.”

Phew. How the hell did he ever get elected?

This is a perfect example of today’s de-bate style that substitutes insults for rational discourse.

It’s right out of socialist Saul Alinsky’s “Rules For Radicals.” Rule No. 5: “‘Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.’ There is no defense. It’s irrational. It’s infuriating. It also works as a key pressure point to force the enemy into concessions.”

The second letter to the editor thoughtfully expresses the unanswered concerns of a knowledgeable local resident. So, how does the first letter writer address these real concerns? He writes: “No public improvement of any kind has ever worked for everyone.”

Kind of like: “You gotta break a few eggs to make an omelet.” Really? Well, some of us “eggs” beg to differ.

This guy would better serve the community if he would just check his mouth at the door and enter with his ears wide open.

Lisa Pannett

Lemay