It was nice to read Rutherford Platt’s My Turn about climate change’s influence on the arctic because it was substantiated by facts that were supported by references [“Antarctic Sea Ice, in a single lifetime — going, going …” Recorder, March 23]. Too many My Turn’s about forestry in Massachusetts, climate change, defending the Connecticut River and other issues are filled with “facts” and other statements that have no references as to where they come from or studies cited that support them. An impressive sounding bio at the end of the article is no substitute for substantiated facts that are cited in the article. The authors need to remember the adage that you are entitled to your own opinion but you are not entitled to your own facts.

Bill Lafley

New Salem

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