Expelled - Why does Ben Stein hate America?

[Elind]

So it did not cross your mind that I, as a German, think that Ben Stein spouting absolutely insane **** about Germany might indicate that he has overdosed on hallucinogenics?

You had to assume, instead, that I attacked you for pointing out that Stein did that, without me having any sane reason to do so?

In short, rather than assuming that I recognized Stein´s idiocy (to put it politely) for what it is, your default assumption was that I am an utter idiot.

Buddy, *I* am awaiting *your* apology for that.

You have my apology. Chill out.

Your sentence structure in the infamous post referenced was poor, and I did say "if" you were referring to me; which is not unknown.

 

[skepHick]

Not sure where best to post this, but Scientific American has done several articles on Expelled, including a recent podcast episode of Science Talk.

Here is a discussion with Mark Mathis, an associate producer of the film, and several people from Scientific American. At least as far as I've gotten into it, it is scathing and deeply satisfying.

Scathing and deeply satisfying indeed. Thanks for the link. The Reader's Digest version:

Scientific American: Are you [as a journalist and heavily involved in the making of this film] really comfortable with the facts as portrayed?
Mark Mathis: Yes.
SA: OK, then...[insert any reasonable and pertinent question about the content of the film and its message here]
MM: Hey, Hey! I'm no scientist, I can't really answer that.
SA: Yeah, we know you're not, that's why we're not asking you questions about the actual science. We're asking you about the film's content and message that perhaps you should be able to answer, what with you being the film's producer and all.
MM: Well, hey, I'm not the only one involved. I didn't get to make a lot of those decisions about what ended up in the film.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

 

[Upchurch]

The Reader's Digest version:

{snip}

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

That's how most of it went. The last third or so followed this pattern:

MM: I really have to go.
SA: Thank you for talking with us.
MM: You're welcome. ...and I'd just like to add [insert any typical creationist straw man about evolution or science in general here].
SA: Whoa, wait a minute. [insert actual information that debunks the straw man here]
MM & SA: [argue and name call]
MM: I really have to go.
etc.