I’m writing in response Bob Dunning’s to misrepresentation of the Measure A forum held by the League of Women Voters.

Dunning repeatedly used the term “debate” to describe the Measure A forum. He accused the league of stacking this “debate” with pro-Measure A folks, implying that they were misleading the public.

Dunning is a very snarky writer, and while I have to admit that his rhetoric regarding “debategate” was witty, it also was based on misuse of the term “debate.”

Now, if the league had claimed to be holding a debate, there’d be a legitimate complaint. The league, however, sponsored a forum. And there’s a difference between debate and forum.

A debate is when opposing arguments are put forward.

A forum is a meeting or medium where ideas and views are exchanged. Ideas do not have to be opposing to be exchanged.

These are not interchangeable terms. They have neither the same connotation nor denotation.

If you want to assemble a forum on climate change, for example, you don’t need to invite climate change deniers for “balance.” If Equality California assembles a forum on marriage equality, as it frequently does, it is not obligated to invite sponsors of Proposition 8.

I don’t want to be the language police, and I don’t mind a mistake or rhetorical flourish here and there, but this mistake has consequences. By using “debate” instead of “forum,” Dunning makes both the league and Measure A supporters appear to be committing fraud. I wish Dunning had considered the nuances of the terms before he wrote those insulting columns.

I doubt that his mischaracterization was intentional, and I certainly do not mean to accuse him of using his column to attack those he insulted. He does, however, owe the league an apology.

Brian Oglesby

Davis

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