Refute this anti-evolution argument for me please

[Chefguy]

I want to rebut a letter in the local newspaper, but want to make sure I get it right. The letter says evolution is bad science, saying in part:

Evolutionary theory is founded on the geologic column, i.e. layers of the Earth. Evolutionists want you to believe that the Earth is millions of years old by pointing to the layers. How do they know how old a layer is? By the index fossil in the layer. How do they determine the age of the fossil? By the layer it is in. This is called circular logic and has no place in scientific process.

Please give me a cogent argument. Thanks.

[Hunter_Hawk]

From talkorigins.

[John_Mace]

Even better, from talkorigins.

[Chefguy]

@Hunter Hawk

From talkorigins.

Thanks. This bit will fit within the limits of a letter to the editor.