We must adapt to the fact that over the last few decades it has become critical that our politicians and policymakers understand science and implement policy that is consistent with scientific facts. And it is past time that we made science enough of a priority to merit a presidential debate on science. The need is clear, these days policymakers must be able to respond in an informed fashion to new technologies, new scientific findings, and potential disasters (such as climate change). Despite the need for a scientifically-literate political leadership, we have a president who says the jury is still out on evolution, who promotes failed abstinence-only sex education programs, and refuses to make any substantive changes to address global warming.
I agree we need a science debate. BUt more importantly, we need our legislators to follow the same rules - as they are the ones ultimately writing the laws.
Why, for example, is homeopathy still supported by US law? Why is Sen. Feinstein proposing legislation completely unsupported by science? Is it because she is ignorant? No it is more likley because she is being driven by an agenda based, emotional PAC. Groups which operate on fear and ignorance.
Google Ads seems to place the most obnoxious ads at the top of my blog. When I write a few posts about how acupuncture has been demonstrated not to work, it places an advertisement for acupuncture. When I write about creationist frauds, it puts up ads for creationist books (or more recently, for creationist movies).
I don't endorse these products. In many cases, I think it likely that the marketers are not only mistaken, but frauds.
I thought about taking these ads down, but instead, I'm leaving them there. I'm considering them an anthropology experiment for me, and my readers. It's a fascinating world out there. Feel free to comment on the ads and the products they are selling in the relevant posts.
I enjoy the irony that people like Ben Stein and Gary Null will be paying me to take Mrs. Factician out for a nice dinner (at current click rates, about once every 18 months).
I'm fascinated with how people find conspiracies in every science situation that disagrees with their previously held prejudices. Be that global warming, evolution by natural selection, or the moon landing. I'll be posting on science, politics, and things that amuse me.
1 comment:
I agree we need a science debate. BUt more importantly, we need our legislators to follow the same rules - as they are the ones ultimately writing the laws.
Why, for example, is homeopathy still supported by US law? Why is Sen. Feinstein proposing legislation completely unsupported by science? Is it because she is ignorant? No it is more likley because she is being driven by an agenda based, emotional PAC. Groups which operate on fear and ignorance.
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