Joe:

I think you are right.  I did push back too hard.  We have enjoyed your participation on the blog and most of us have learned things about airports and the Island Airport in particular from your postings.

The point that I was making, or trying to make, was that on an issue like the Island Airport, balance leads to nothing but the status quo.  It is very legitimate to hold the view that the Island Airport should close because of pollution, safety, noise, and a whole list of other reasons.  The other side is also true.  It is legitimate to say the airport should stay open because it contributes to the city.  But to argue balance takes you nowhere because there is no balancing these two diametrically opposed points of view.

One other point.  You make the comment that CommunityAIR often makes unsubstantiated accusations.  These are your words.

"Here's an example - your website now states prominently that the Q400 crash in Buffalo is believed to be caused by de-icing problems with the aircraft. OK, where is the documentation to back this up? The investigation is ongoing and NO findings have been released."

I think that the comment on the website is legitimate and in fact quite measured.  The crash "is believed to be caused by de-icing problems with the aircraft" is an accurate statement.  All we are doing is quoting what media outlets have repeated several times.  We have not said that the crash was caused by problems with de-icing.  We said it is believed to be caused...

So Joe, this is the cut and thrust of political controversy.  I have been bruised lots of times in political debate and wear my scars proudly.  You are making a valuable contribution to the discussion on this blog and I hope you continue.

Bill Freeman