The read

From my Sunday column in the Athens Banner-Herald ...

Recently, Congressman Paul Broun misrepresented an MIT study regarding the financial effect of "cap-and-trade" energy and climate legislation while ignoring existing data that suggested a contrary viewpoint to his own, and he did so willingly in an attempt to mislead the public regarding a serious, ongoing policy discussion of which he was part.

And according to some suggestions, this is justification to look past that statistical error and deliberate confusion and call for kinder, gentler discourse from all parties.

Make sense? Of course not.

Few would disagree that our existing political climate lacks the civil, respectful debate that is so vital to our society. Sadly, it's been replaced by talking points, political posturing and media spin. In fact, developing an aversion to honest debate is now a thriving industry within the political infrastructure.

However, an attempt to restore a missing balance does not mean that inaccurate statistics and misleading arguments shouldn't be exposed. While fairness means providing equal opportunity for all, it does not mean legitimizing illegitimate arguments.

And that's what we have here.