Emotional Rhetoric and Reason Are Not Mutually Exclusive

At Tuesday night’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Jamieson gave yet another presentation attempting to justify his and the Board majority’s defunding of Samuels Public Library. He repeatedly claimed that Samuels’ supporters are using “emotional rhetoric” rather than reasoned arguments.

I would like to point out that “emotional rhetoric” is exactly what galvanizes people to act in the face of lies and injustice. It is not the flaw in reasoning or debate that Mr. Jamieson claims it to be. Passion and reason are not opposites — one can react strongly while also presenting rational, well-founded arguments. In fact, throughout history, appeals to both heart and mind have been essential to movements for justice.
Mr. Jamieson hides his true agenda behind an arrogant insistence that he is somehow more rational than the hundreds of residents who have spoken up to defend the library from his attacks and smear campaign. He continues to push a false narrative during his Board report time — where, by design, nobody can debate or question him — and refuses to engage with the library trustees or anyone who challenges his arguments. He doesn’t reply to emails from anyone who questions him, and he has never attended a library Q&A.

I recommend that everyone who heard or read about Jamieson’s usual lies, misinformation, and gaslighting please watch Wednesday night’s library Q&A. Among other things, library staff and trustees addressed Mr. Jamieson’s repeated accusation of “lack of accountability and transparency.” The recording should be available soon on the library’s Facebook page.

Cara Aldridge Young
Front Royal, VA

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