Science Takes One on the Chin
Here’s an exchange that suggests that the U.S. may be losing the battle to keep science alive and functioning as the core of policy-making.
Jonathan Stickland (pictured), member of the Texas House of Representatives attacking Dr. Peter Hotez, an outspoken advocate for vaccination: “You are bought and paid for by the biggest special interest in politics. Do our state a favor and mind your own business. Parental rights mean more to us than your self enriching ‘science.’”
Professor Peter Hotez, MD, PhD: “Sir, as you know, I don’t take a dime from the vaccine industry. I develop neglected disease vaccines for the world’s poorest people. And as a Texas pediatrician-scientist it is most certainly my business.”
Stickland: “Make the case for your sorcery to consumers on your own dime.”
If this were an isolated case of a conversation with an anti-intellectual nutjob, I don’t think anyone would have even noticed. Unfortunately, it’s happening in the context of a torrent of actions being taken by the federal government to remove science as the centerpiece of environmental law-making. The evisceration of the Environmental Protection Agency is perhaps the most stunning example.
What happens to a society when science becomes “sorcery?” It looks like we’re about to find out.
Craig,
In every field of human endeavor there will always be those who from ignorance, fear or just plain cussedness stand in the path of progress.
Some reveal their ignorance openly, while other disguise it with better rhetoric and doctrines, but the motive is always the same.
On a happier note, I’m delighted to see my investment in ‘Beyond Burger’ was hugely successful. Selling out at a profit of 174%. (more considering we bought on credit and sold before the call).
Having banked my windfall, I made inquiries about assisting the tragic case of a baby girl in Sydney, Australia who was so malnourished by vegan diet fed to her by her parents that by the time she was 19 months old she didn’t have any teeth and looked like she was just three months old.
The parents, who also didn’t vaccinate the child, have pleaded guilty in a Sydney Court to failing to provide for her causing danger of serious injury.
The little girl was taken to hospital after she suffered a seizure in March, had been fed a strict plant-based diet leaving her severely malnourished and suffering a preventable bone disease.
Although both parents face a maximum of five years in prison, the child faces a life time of ill health and retardation.
Very sad and tragic. I wish I could do more to help.