Comments on: When Scientists Speak Out

By: Tim McGivern

Tim McGivern — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:12:18 +0000

Here is a great piece by the fellas at vice if you want to hear and see more on this topic:
http://www.vbs.tv/newsroom/west-virginia–2

By: Keith

Keith — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:53:34 +0000

It is difficult to understand how strip-mining was legally allowed to return to West Virginia. Haven’t West Virginia’s representatives been exclusively Democrats for as long as our memories can stretch? While the Right seems to delight in making poor choices in the most unrepentant ways, the Left is gifted at making equally grievous choices and avoiding public outrage.

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:48:28 +0000

Great angle to take on this issue. Communication is where so many scientific types get bogged down, even if they want to advocate for a given position.

Sadly, most academics never take a stand on important policy issues within their field of expertise. Perhaps they are too conflict averse or weak-kneed to endure the backlash that would come from colleagues. Or perhaps they fancy themselves too busy to participate.

Thanks to the team who wrote to President Obama about the outrageous practice of mountaintop mining; they prove that the status quo can change.

By: Tom Nichols

Tom Nichols — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:35:50 +0000

What happened to bringing science to the top in making policy decisions. I have been to mountaintop removal sights before…mitigation NEVER seems to completely reverse the damage done.

By: John Atkeison

John Atkeison — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:25:35 +0000

The “overwhelming” nature of the evidence was one appropriate trigger for the strong statement. The anti-science, anti-truth opposition will make up convenient crap about the participants no matter what.

Thanks to the Science team, and thanks for the documentation of it!

John Atkeison
New Orleans

By: James Newberry

James Newberry — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:43:43 +0000

What this outrageous distruction of our own lands says to me is that the people of this country have allowed global corporatism (transfascism?) to invade almost every sector of the country’s economy, especially “energy.” MTR is fraud, farce and corporate fascism, just like oil. It is time to remove monied interests influence over the government. I understand that three million pounds of dynamite are exploded each day for the insanity of “mountain top removal.”

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:16:51 +0000

@Aaron: I find it really depressing that we need to introduce political and legal “science” to get our leaders to stop things like this (or do anything at all for that matter.) Our leaders should be able to see the obvious mountains of evidence which scientists bring against any issue and immediately feel they must do something about it and not have to ask “What’s in it for me?” or “How much will you contribute to my campaign?” or even worse “But my religion says it’s OK.”

By: Aaron Lewis

Aaron Lewis — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:53:40 +0000

Ah! Smart interdisciplinary science!

Environmental science combined with communications science.

Now we just need to add a bit of political science. Then, maybe could add a bit of “legal science”.