Re: Robert Wahl letter-to-editor, “Prove me wrong, idiots,” (Journal, Oct. 28).

If the Auburn Journal thinks that this is the way to sell newspapers, shame. This just adds toxicity and rancor to an already polarized atmosphere. Wahl uses the ad hominem argument of attacking his opponents by name-calling (four instances in nine sentences). The Auburn Journal compounds this egregious behavior by including it in a title that is crafted by your editorial staff. No wonder readership is dwindling.

Incidentally, one corroborating test does not constitute proof of a hypothesis. It does establish some increased probability that the hypothesis might be true. More tests adding more positive results serve to increase that probability, but not necessarily conclusively prove the hypothesis. On the other hand, only one exception is required to render the hypothesis false.

Ralph Petri, Auburn