The Republican War on Science

The Republican War on Science The Republican War on Science by Chris Mooney
Publisher: Basic Books
Year: 2005
Pages: 352

I decided to read The Republican War on Science after Chris Mooney came on The Daily Show. Though young and soft-spoken, Mooney was eloquent and persuasive, and I thought that spoke well of his writing. While War can be a little dry at times (it is essay-like in style), it is compelling, well-researched (involving interviews with both left-leaning politicians/scientists as well as Mooney’s targets on the Right).

The crux of the book is this: the Modern Right (starting especially during the Gingrich Congress in ’94), because it is beholden to both corporate interests and religious fundamentalism, has formed an unspoken policy of manipulating science in order to achieve its ends, either by trumping up uncertainty in relatively certain data or by proffering marginal contrarians as proof that the majority concensus is wrong. Mooney focuses especially on the Bush II administration, which has come under more fire than any other presidency for its alleged abuses (think Union of Concerned Scientists).

For instance, when the World Health Organization authored a report that identified soft drinks (among other items high in free sugars) as one of the worst exacerbators of childhood obesity, the sugar industry (who are big contributors) threw up such a fuss that our government marginalized the report.

It is no secret that our government in general is beholden to corporate interests, but of course Republicans get even more contributions from business than the Democrats do, and are even more likely to subvert or block legislation that would benefit people or the environment at the expense of profits. The wonders of lobbyists, ladies and gentlemen. The Republican “dirty trick” of creating “sound science” policies that demand unreasonable “certainty” (that is, certainty so conclusive that even multibillion-dollar industries can’t make it disappear) of scientific studies used to inform legislation has neutered the regulatory function of government on business, all of which has been discussed at length in other books critical of the administration’s environmental and scientific policies.

It is a book full of information, and so to even begin to discuss it here would be futile, so I will merely say that it is worth your while to read. Mooney’s effort is well-informed and well-written, especially for someone so young. For more information and a preview, visit the accompanying website.

§819 · October 31, 2005 · (No comments) · Tags:

That Toddlin’ Town

On Saturday, Allison and I took a day trip up to Chicago to celebrate our 3rd anniversary.

We began in downtown Joliet, boarding a 10:24am train northbound to Chicago. We picked up donuts and coffee on the way there, though during the trainride, I managed to spill a sizable amount of coffee on myself, though it simply rolled off my leather jacket and onto the floor. That’s why you never see any soggy cows, I guess. It’s amazing how big some of the train station parking lots are in New Lenox and Mokena, and how there aren’t any stations in places like Blue Island: people just board in the middle of the street. During the trip, we reviewed our plans for the day, which were carefully researched on the CTA’s trip planner. We had 1-day unlimited passes for the subway and busses, and sheets that said which bus to board at which location in order to get where we needed to be. I also had a shitload of cash for various tickets and for emergency taxi purposes (more on this later). Read more…

§820 · October 30, 2005 · 6 comments · Tags:

The Maroonish Letter

In case you haven’t heard about this exciting event, it is focused on the female orgasm and dispelling myths about masturbation, sexuality, orgasm and other important topics [...]

Jessica Polka, an executive board member for the co-sponsor of the event, was recently quoted as saying that “We also have the goal of trying to work toward fighting the social stigma against female sexuality.” In other words, she wants college women to become whores without being ostracized.

Emphasis mine. This may possibly be the weirdest nonsequitur I’ve ever heard. I can’t even begin to imagine what twisted logic caused Mike Adams to think that “female sexuality” (you know, the female orgasm that never occurs thanks to male-centered approach to the physical aspect of relationships) means “screwing willy-nilly.” As though by learning they are capable of sexual climax, they are immediately driven to jump on the next man they see. If I didn’t know better, I’d call the article satire, but Adams is clearly of such a mind that he takes grievous offense at women learning about orgasms.

Ah well, UNC must just be full of those “liberal elites” with their gay orgies and Bible burnings. Best just to let it rot with the rest of those coastal schools and their “tolerance” and “acceptance.”

Hat tip: Feministe.

§818 · October 28, 2005 · 6 comments · Tags: ,

Friday Random Ten XXXV

The “It’s my anniversary!” edition.

Friday Random Ten

  1. Maroon 5 • Sunday Morning
  2. the Gathering • Souvenirs
  3. System of a Down • X
  4. Jellyfish • Hush
  5. Stratovarius • Mother Gaia
  6. Jason Falkner • Moving Up
  7. November • Ta Ett Steg I Sagans Land
  8. Emperor • Ensorcelled by Khaos
  9. Anekdoten • Nucleus (Live)
  10. Muse • Feeling Good

Song Allison would like most: Maroon 5′s Sunday Morning (though she’s a fan of Jellyfish and Falkner, too).

Cheesiest song: Stratovarius’ Mother Gaia, which might be one of the cheesiest songs I’ve ever heard, but damn is it catchy. Why did I buy this album?

Song that should be good but isn’t really: Falkner’s Moving Up. Actually, the whole Bliss Descending EP is tepid. I hope the full length captures the same intensity as his previous efforts.

Coolest song with a purposely mispelled word: Emperor, of course. Also, I need to use “ensorcelled” more in everyday conversation.

[Feministe | Smedley Log]

§817 · October 28, 2005 · 1 comment · Tags:

Three! Three years, ah ah ah!

Looking coyAs The Count might say.

Today, Allison and I celebrate three years as a couple. In so many ways, it seems barely a year has gone by since I stuttered my way into a relationship, having to go on my first date in a ’90 Plymouth Horizon (I passed up her house and had to double back: what an auspicious beginning) and learning about the entire process as I went along.

Allison and I have had some wonderful damn times, as well as some colossal fights. It’s definitely worth it. That’s her there in the orange dress, during her Senior Homecoming earlier this month (doesn’t she look ravishing?) and me, looking like a drinking straw in a tie.

I’ve always wondered why some couples stay together and don’t. What’s the spark between Allison and I? Je ne sais quoi. Oh, I could give you a lit. student’s spiel, maybe quote some Mike Kadela.

she is a rare and sated dusk
    that sires sanctified unrest
she is an insect vigorous
    who ambulates as children clap
she is a very happy fool
    who fooling, fools us without blood
she is a river humbling rock
    the mistress of the open space
she is a dancing cypress tree
    (confusing the imperfect heart)

she is a beyond a question

But who can say? Couples have their own unique idiosyncrasies, their own goofy jokes, their own impetuses.

Sexay!To celebrate our little victory over social entropy, we’re trekking into Chicago on Saturday. We’ll hit the Sears Tower, the Rainforest Café, Marshall Fields, Navy Pier, and probably some other places, too. Pray that we don’t get lost or beaten up by angry buskers. Personally, I’m just glad the Sox have already won: I’d hate to even be near Chicago if it were Game 6, even if US Cellular is south and we’d stay pretty close to the lake. I’ve got our all-day CTA passes, I’ve got maps, and I’ve got no clue how to get around Chicago. Saturday will be interesting.

Since we’re both poor kids (actually, I’m not so much poor as I am heavily invested, in a mutual fund that’s dropped 8% since I bought it), there won’t be any sort of flashy gifts like last year (if you missed it, I’ll give you a hint: it’s not graphite and it’s not a buckeyball), just a day out. Later, though, when we’re all alone, I’ll lean close, my warm breath tickling the nape of her neck, and, as her heart starts to race…. I’ll give her a wet willie. Because hey, je ne sais qoui.

§816 · October 28, 2005 · 3 comments ·

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