Assault on science

http://scienceblogs.com/intersection/2008/05/the_assault_on_science.php



This is an extremely interesting "debate" on the whys of the assault on science and global warming during the prior 8 presidential years and the reasons for the alleged assault from a variety of points of view and perspectives.Many points were covered, most valid.The audio went defective in mid play unfortunately but what I did hear was fascinating as discussion of this issue. Chris Mooney's books are further elucidation on this topic.Further points in the debate underscored the following:
-misunderstanding of science
-mistrust of research and the value of scientific inquiry or vested interests?
-scientific consensus ? when should we listen to those on the edge, for example those asserting that certain vaccines cause autism?
-is there a consensus regarding Global Warming based on over 2500 scientists of the United Nations asserting its validity? Or did they so assert it. Were they only peer reviewers and not in a consensus?