tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14438897.post112178179616552667..comments2023-11-02T02:45:39.259-06:00Comments on Hydrogen & Stupidity: Selling Science and Snatching StatsCantankerous Bitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08353178783999591681noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14438897.post-1122478358278701172005-07-27T09:32:00.000-06:002005-07-27T09:32:00.000-06:00Now *that's* a test for public office I could happ...Now *that's* a test for public office I could happily get behind. The Constitution might forbid a religious test, but I don't recall any commentary about a "competency" test. You're absolutely right -- that we demand it of virtually all professionals save for the ones weilding the most tangible power is a sad commentary on our sense of "fitness".Cantankerous Bitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08353178783999591681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14438897.post-1121912152531059822005-07-20T20:15:00.000-06:002005-07-20T20:15:00.000-06:00I want to point out another example if I may- not ...I want to point out another example if I may- not even of science hijacked- but of ridiculous public servants behaving like fifth graders struggling to write a term paper... In PA, our Senators of course supported drilling in ANWR. Santorum told the citizens of PA that 34,000 jobs would be created here, When his top energy policy rep was questioned, he responded that he "could not remember" where that number came from. After 125 letters, phone calls, etc. we were finally given a website that was supposedly "unbiased and independent". Owned by an oil company! This source also stated that fossil fuels are presently our ONLY option, mentioning nothing about CAFE standards that would raise fuel economy to over 40 miles per gallon and cut emissions. See we are talking about people paid by OUR tax money to know their information and to be well versed. Why should WE, hard working busy parents- be forced to work so hard to get a source?? It goes beyond McScience. It goes to the lack of accountability. <BR/> I understand the notion of peer review among members of a particular community- but what about an alleged democracy whose very basis requires an informed citizenry? Should I undertake to familiarize myself with law, medicine, biology, education, insurance, construction, agriculture, energy... if so, give me a tax rebate and lets stop paying these clowns in Washington to represent us! They want competency tests for teachers,licensing for professionals- what about a competency test for people paid by public money to formulate policy? The GRE? Something!!!!Lilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16689786323490572915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14438897.post-1121910536023199942005-07-20T19:48:00.000-06:002005-07-20T19:48:00.000-06:00Ah yes... The Discovery Institute is one of my fa...Ah yes... The Discovery Institute is one of my favorites. <I>hack cough spew </I><BR/><BR/>I believe that organizations like these deliberately set out to capitalize on the layman's general lack of conversance in scientific topics, knowing full well that those best equipped to refute them are the least likely to read their drivel to begin with. See: Kansas.Cantankerous Bitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08353178783999591681noreply@blogger.com