Sunday, February 19, 2006

Why Oh Why Are We Ruled by These Idiots? (Bush Science Policy Department) Science policy, George W. Bush style. The puzzle is not why so few scientists and academics are Bush-supporting Republicans. The puzzle is why any at all are. Michael Berube writes, apropos of Bush using Michael Crichton as his science advisor: Berube: Environmentalists were not the only group Mr. Bush considered during Mr. Crichton’s visit. “They covered the entire spectrum of Crichton’s work,” said Mr. Barnes. “Crichton warned the President that the rapacious Japanese economy would soon crush America, that female executives are often the perpetrators in sexual-harassment cases, and, most important, that the lost city of Zinj is populated by murderous talking gorillas. As in their discussion of global warming, Mr. Bush was in near-total agreement.” Environmentalists have responded with alarm to the news. “This shows the president is more interested in science fiction than science,” Frank O’Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch, said after learning of the White House meeting. Mr. O’Donnell’s group monitors environmental policy. Curiously, however, Christian conservatives have also expressed concern. “The president met with Michael Crichton for an hour and they never discussed the dangers of genetic research? That’s an outrage,” said the Rev. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family. “While we understand that the president needs to stay informed about global-warming charlatans, sexually predatory women and dangerous talking gorillas, we strongly believe that he should take a stand against scientific research conducted by atheistic madmen. The president needs to reassure Christians that the Culture of Life® will not be threatened by genetically engineered dinosaurs, human-animal hybrids, or deranged robots with Yul Brynner’s face.” Toxic, rapidly-reproducing crystalline organisms from outer space could not be reached for comment. (Via Brad DeLong's Semi-Daily Journal.) 3:03:48 PM    comment []

The mailing list of the Party of God There is only one religion and it is faith in the infallible leader. The North Carolina Republican Party asked its members this week to send their church directories to the party, drawing furious protests from local and national religious leaders..... During the 2004 presidential race, the Bush-Cheney campaign sent a similar request to Republican activists across the country. It asked churchgoers not only to furnish church directories to the campaign, but also to use their churches as a base for political organizing. (Via Born at the Crest of the Empire.) 2:14:43 PM    comment []

Quote for the Day "It's no accident that we are seeing such an extensive suppression of scientific freedom. It's part of the theory of government now, and it's a theory we need to vociferously oppose," - Nobel Prize winning scientist, David Baltimore, on the politicization of scientific research under the Bush administration. (Via Daily Dish.) 1:47:13 PM    comment []

He Was a Friend of Mine My friend John Wise passed away the other day. Here are some thoughts about him. 11:42:38 AM    comment []

Moderate Muslims? Moderate Christians? The second truth — one that the West needs to come to grips with — is that there is no such human persona as a "moderate Muslim." You either believe in the oneness of God or you don't. You either believe in the teachings of his prophet or you don't. You either learn those teachings and apply them to the circumstances of life in the country you have chosen to live in, or you shouldn't live there. -from an LA Times column, via Andrew Sullivan Is there such a thing as a moderate Christian? Is it the case that one either believes "No one comes to the father except through me" or doesn't? (Via The Uncredible Hallq.) 11:27:50 AM    comment []

maps: HBO's Sopranos/Google Maps Mash-Up AdAge reports that HBO has just entered into a licensing deal with Google Maps for The Sopranos. Starting on February 27, HBO will offer an official Google Maps mashup on The Sopranos’ website of the locations of characters, show standbys like the Bada Bing and prominent events from past seasons. It’s the first official licensing deal with the media for Google Maps and so far looks to be rather interesting. Given that the show’s action takes place a few minutes outside of New York City, we expect that many NY-area Sopranos fans will be very excited come February 27. ’The Sopranos’ Uses Google Maps to Promote New Season [AdAge] (Via Gridskipper.) 11:26:37 AM    comment []

The Ballad of Dick Cheney Thought he was a bird...... The Ballad of Dick Cheney Thought he was a bird... Come and listen to a story about veep named Dick Went out shooting quail, but he shot himself a hick, Had a few drinks, thought he’d have himself some fun Turned to left and he shot the wrong one In the face, close range, ow that hurts. Well the security said, Dick get away from here, Get back to the lodge and have yourself a beer We’ll (Via »«TBogg»«.) 11:14:01 AM    comment []

© Copyright 2006 Steve Michel. Last update: 3/2/2006; 9:10:07 AM.