It seems the Harvard Republicans are beginning to go the way of the national party—replacing discussion of issues with gratuitous attacks and ignorance of facts. Exhibit A is Bill Barton, chairman of the Harvard Republican Town Committee, and his seething attacks on the Harvard Energy Advisory Committee (HEAC) and its proposal that the town of Harvard become a “Green Community” and adopt the Stretch Energy Code. I am not sure where I stand on this effort. But I do believe that the evidence that human activities are causing global warming is overwhelming and also that it is in America’s interest to become less dependent on imported energy. Therefore, I think there is merit behind any idea that would conserve energy. At least it is worth discussing in a civilized way.
However, Mr. Barton, and by implication the Harvard Republicans, does not want to discuss the pros and cons of the effort, preferring instead to attack the well-meaning volunteers of the HEAC. I witnessed Mr. Barton’s ugly rant at the Board of Selectmen meeting where he accused the HEAC members of being the “green police” and an “elite” that is trying to reduce his freedom and infringe his property rights. I don’t know Mr. Barton and thus it may be unfair to say this, but his actions in this matter crystallize for me all that is wrong with our country at this point in its history. We face enormous problems but are unable to have a civilized public discussion because of extreme partisanship. It appears that Mr. Barton and his allies will attempt to defeat the Green Community effort at Special Town Meeting on Nov. 9 by showing up in large numbers. I encourage all moderate citizens of Harvard to attend the meeting and make their decision based on the facts, not heated rhetoric and rigid ideology.
Bob Benson
South Shaker Road
