The Myth of Science

The western tradition of science, like many of the other great things about western culture can be traced back to ancient Greece.  Thanks to the Greeks we have been blessed with, among other things, democracy, an abundance of cool words, nude statues, the movie "300" and of course, science.  Much of what the Greeks passed down to us is awesome, but science, like the Iliad, is nothing but a myth.  Let's take a (very) brief look at the history.

Though the Greeks were very smart, they really didn't get science too well.  For starters, they thought there were only four elements: Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.  Of course, today we well know that there is a fifth element; scientists are still unsure what that element is although there is a general consensus. 

Speaking of general consensuses, there also exists among those silly scientists a consensus that the Earth is getting warmer and that human activity is playing a large part in that warming.  Initially, I thought this was great as I am all for tropical weather.  But now I'm hearing about all these possible consequences and I find myself getting nervous.  Rising sea levels, unpredictable and calamitous weather and the extinction of wildlife. Oh my!

So I have been relieved recently to see that the entire field of Republican candidates - with the notable exception of Jon Huntsman who is doing everything humanly possible to challenge the stereotype of Republican insanity - says that climate change is a hoax or a fraud or perhaps just that the science isn't sound.  Phew...I can breathe easier now that I know the scientists of today, just like the ancient Greeks, don't know everything.

Unfortunately, the words of Republican candidates, while they reverberate powerfully with the nation's fringe, cannot actually disprove scientific research.  The world is getting warmer and human activity is absolutely playing a role in that warming.  The dire forecasts and predictions may not be forgone conclusions and they may even be more severe than the reality that awaits us, but there is no doubt that we are harming mother nature.

The Republican opposition to knowledge extends beyond the damage we are doing to the planet and into other realms of sciences as well - do I LOOK like a monkey - but the denial of scientific evidence that our planet is getting hotter due to our misdeeds is going to haunt our country if we let this silliness continue.  America should be taking steps to reduce emissions and invest in clean energy now.  Oil gazillionaire T. Boone Pickens understands this, why doesn't Rick Perry?

Were I to go around spreading the myth that the sun revolved around the Earth I would be considered a fool and rightfully so.  Why then is it not only acceptable, but encouraged (by some) to spread a similarly stupid myth about the condition of our planet.  After all, that myth has much more far-reaching consequences for our economy, our country and our species than any ludicrous story about the sun revolving around the Earth. 

Sensible people are concerned.  Half of the American government refuses to enact policies that will spur future economic growth and help save the planet because they refuse to accept basic facts.  Why that is the case is a question I cannot answer, but it scares the living daylights out of me to imagine a president incapable of understanding basic facts.