No, not all opinions should be heard

There is a belief that all viewpoints matter and everybody’s opinion should be heard. I disagree.

Back in my high school days (we’re talking late 1960s here), someone in class made a statement and said it was valid because that was his opinion. The teacher pointed out that a valid opinion had to be based on facts, and that student’s was not. This resulted in outrage from several of the students. “I’m entitled to my opinion” they said. “Not if it isn’t based on facts,” the teacher said.

That teacher (and I wish I could remember his name) was right. I have never forgotten that lesson.

If an opinion isn’t based on facts but is instead based on wishful thinking or superstition or something from the internet it is invalid unless it is also based in fact. That is frequently my reaction to statements from our various elected officials (and some columnists and editorial writers) when they talk, usually without specifics, about teachers indoctrinating students, pornography in school libraries, fetal heartbeats at six weeks, cows possibly needing permits to cross streams, ACA death panels, more guns equal more safety, and my favorite, tax cuts are always good for everyone.

None of these opinions are supported by facts. But the people controlling this state don’t care. They are laser-focused on their Iowa values-based common sense opinions and they are sticking to them, regardless of the facts.

Our loss.

Scott Byram

Iowa City