Otero Mesa - A False Dichotomy of Choices

Jim Burleson

NMPolitics - Compromise has gotten a bad name. Nowadays everyone seems to think it means one side selling out, or both sides selling out. But true compromise involves each side prioritizing their objectives, trying to see the merits of the other side’s argument, and being willing to give a little so that both sides can be happy with an approximation of their desires instead of utter disappointment. Nowadays we seem to be presented with nothing but Hobson’s choices: this bad option or nothing at all, this bad option or something even worse.

Otero Mesa

This seems to be especially true of issues involving the environment and the development of natural resources. We’re continually presented with a choice between the preservation of pristine natural beauty and the reckless exploitation of the landscape leading to total desecration. This is a false dichotomy. There are many other options, ones that lie between the two extremes, and we could find an acceptable solution if we were willing to be reasonable and realistic. Read full story here: News New Mexico



Otero Mesa - A False Dichotomy of Choices