I have just received the strangest comment to an old post regarding a report about life in Dubai. I publish it without the author’s name as I’d like to give him a chance to respond to my criticism.
Mr Blakey,
I have lived in Dubai and found the place simply monstrous but I am not going to come to the defence of Mr Hari; he’s perfectly capable of defending himself.
I would like only to point out, at the risk of raising your ire, that your argument contra Hari has no merit. Even if your readers have a day to think about it, as you did, I hope they will not be persuaded that Hari’s expose is a fabrication on your say so, because no evidence. Nothing. Zero. Here’s why:
According to well-established rules, hearsay (“the story as I heard it”) and personal anecdote (“The water was cleaner than many places I’ve experienced”) do not an argument make.
I have three words for you: Rules. Of. Evidence.
OK! He’s entitled to his opinion and he seems to have first hand (residential) experience of Dubai but he doesn’t seem to be explaining why my argument has ‘no merit’. I admit that I am only a frequent visitor to Dubai but my experience of living in other, neighbouring parts of the region should equip me for a knowledgeable comment or two. If he supports Mr Hari’s story then I would be most pleased to read his comments and would indeed take them on board. Until then I will retain my scepticism.
And WTF does ‘Rules of Evidence’ mean? I am not quoting ‘hearsay’, I am quoting my own personal experience.
