As we all plainly see in our national politics, smears and personal attacks directed to others are the tactics used to distract and obscure the fact that one has no response or constructive contribution to make to our public decision-making.

So too, it seems, in our local politics. When an unwanted message reveals an uncomfortable truth that jeopardizes your ambitions, blame the messenger who delivers it.

When Stanford and its boosters — including the Town — acknowledge the severe fire hazard and risk the project poses to its surrounding neighbors and potential residents, or the geologic fault underlying its proposed housing, town residents can focus our energy and attention on what can and should be done on this or more suitable land to bring safe affordable housing to Portola Valley. Until then, it seems, we must deal with continued denial and distraction.