I recently proposed the possibility of a debated between a representative of a NC based environmental group and environmental scientist Joel Schwartz, whose work for the Locke Foundation can be found here and here. I have reproduced my inquiries and the responses below, leaving out both the person’s name and the name of the organization. I believe it speaks for itself.

Dear Ms :

In light of the recent exchange that you have had with Joel Schwartz on the pages of the Charlotte Observer, we at the John Locke Foundation would like to know if the XXXX would be interested in cosponsoring a public debate between Mr. Schwartz and yourself. Given the significant differences in perspective that the two of you have regarding air quality in Charlotte we feel, and I’m sure you would agree, that the citizens of the area could benefit a great deal from an open discussion of the data and science surrounding the issue. Mr. Schwartz has signaled that he would be happy to participate in such an event.

We would hope that this event could take place as soon as November and we would be willing to use our resources to arrange a location in Charlotte for the forum. Of course, any decisions regarding the logistics would be jointly made.

Please let me know if you and the XXXX would like to participate in such an event.

Best regards,
Roy Cordato
VP for Research and Resident Scholar
The John Locke Foundation

Dear Mr Cordato,

Thank you for your invitation to have XXXX debate John Locke Foundation, however public debates are not part of our vision/mission. We would be happy to provide you or anyone with the various sources of information that we have available. Dr Clay Ballantine, Asheville, who has done so much research on health effects of air pollution, would also be happy to provide you with sources.

Dear Ms-

Thank you for your response and for clarifying to us that public debate is not part of the XXXX’s mission. Given that your response to Joel Schwartz in the Charlotte Observer could be interpreted as a form of public debate, we thought that your organization indeed might be interested in pursuing this further. Also, we appreciate you calling our attention to Dr. Ballantine’s work. Do you think that he would be willing to participate a forum similar to the one that we have proposed? If not Professor Ballantine, could you recommend someone else who might be a strong representative of your position on air pollution in Charlotte?

We would appreciate any recommendations that you might provide.

Roy Cordato

Mr Cordato,

Our CO response was simply to clarify the truth about heath effects of air pollution in our region based on personal experiences, medical studies and science from the mainstream public health and medical experts and the mainstream scientists and technicians from our region.

I’m afraid I do not personally know anyone who would be willing to “debate” with Joel Schwartz.