The fallacy is every single one of them relies on an underlying assumption that cannot be supported. In simple terms, every single informed hold-out for evolution relies on the pre-existing belief in the non-existence of God.
Their posit is that, since there is no supernatural cause, all evidence that points in that direction is automatically discounted without rational consideration.
The enlightened believer labours in vain against such a dogmatic, irrational, unscientific, and foundationally unstable world view.
JACK SHALLARD
Rotorua
Spatial plan
Nobody is denying that Rotorua is having a growth spurt. But, like house prices, can sustained growth out to 2050 be assumed for spatial planning purposes?
The Residents and Ratepayers' Alternative Spatial Plan cited a range of demographic research studies to conclude (page 14) that "a prudent spatial planning strategy should therefore include projections for population surges and periods of stagnation, and decline in the longer term, and use four dimensions; people, profit, planet and progress".
No such subtlety from the acting mayor (Letters, June 5). He used one source and a short time frame to predict that Rotorua "will be upgraded in status to a medium growth area".
And more, "should Rotorua's rate of growth increase even further", council should move "quickly to complete our spatial plan consultation with our community to support investment decisions like Te Ngae Rd".
It was pity he mentioned Te Ngae Rd. It was the decision not to redesignate the long-planned Eastern Arterial that will guarantee congestion for many years. Why speed up planning that creates such disasters?
It was also a pity that council said it would not be responding to Spatial Plan submissions before the deadline. This week we see a new PR strategy; an aggressive public defence of the council's draft Spatial Plan and an extended deadline (to get the answer right?).
[ABRIDGED]
REYNOLD MACPHERSON
Rotorua
