Randi's book review

[CBL4]

I hate to make an appeal to authority but this is from Randi's current commentary:

I highly recommend the new book, “The Republican War on Science,” by Basic Books, New York, written by Chris Mooney. It’s a scary rundown of the US government’s strong predilection for ideologically-driven pseudoscience over legitimate science. Mooney is a journalist who specializes in investigating the relationship between science and politics – very much along the line of the coming TAM4 theme of “Science in Politics & the Politics of Science.” Unfortunately, we learned of Chris too late to get him into our star-studded cast for next January.

Now, before I’m inundated with notes from Republicans who complain about an apparently partisan endorsement, I’ll suggest that they get a hard-working author of their own to prepare a 342-page book covering the alternate point of view. However, Mooney doesn’t spare the Democrats, either, pointing out quite correctly that they have to answer some serious questions.

http://www.randi.org/jr/200509/093005good.html#11

I think it is a pity that title will prevent skeptics and scientists from giving Mooney the serious attention this issue deserves. It gives them the apparent club of partisanship to dismiss (or praise) Mooney instead of debating him.

The Republicans party is currently attacking science for scriptural (evolution), moral (e.g. stem cell) and economic (e.g. pollution) reasons. Science attacks are not unique to conservatives but I think it the first time that the attack has been this well coordinated by the leaders of a political party.

CBL

 

[Anti_Hypeman]

I agree bad title. My brain immediately puts anything with words like conservative/liberal/left wing/no spin zone/ etc .... in the junk pile. That goes for books, TV, and Radio. I just assume its biased propaganda from the other side.