An Internet hub with domestic and international news, analysis, original reporting, and popular features from the left, center, indies, centrists, moderates, and right
« Sabato’s Crystal Ball: Tweets of the Week
Is Brian Kilmeade the Stupidest Person on the Face of the Earth? »
An Interesting Choice for NIH
Here. Contrary to the stereotyping coming from some corners these days, not all who believe in the existence of God are bigoted, closed-minded, or anti-science. Francis Collins is one demonstration of that. He’s a theist and an outstanding scientist.
Politically, this is yet another shrewd appointment on the part of Barack Obama. As he pursues such hot potato issues as stem cell research, Collins will likely be able to talk to all sides.
[This has been crossposted at my personal blog.]
6 Responses to “An Interesting Choice for NIH”
Scientists use all sorts of tools on the job that they don't take home with them. Apparently for Francis “Frozen waterfall, therefore Jesus” Collins, reason is just another one of those.
I believe his scientific reputation (as opposed to, say, celebrity status, something we'd have to worry about with Team Obama appointments, the continued manipulation of public opinion among those they still presume to be susceptible) makes him a good choice. Moreover, what does that say or imply about future research that may be done by that body? Is there at least a commitment to it?
“all who believe in the existence of God are bigoted, closed-minded, or anti-science”
This is one current Big Lie of the Left (associated with hype and hatred of the Religions Right ), along with the general or broad corollary that they, the Left and the Dems, are the party of science, the Right and the GOP not, when in fatc the Left and the Dems are the party of emotion rather than logic, feelings foremost In some cases, they have politically tainted, tarnished, and corrupted science, such as in the case of global warming, which they have made into a politically and ideologically based dogmatic religion.
I just hope they don't corrupt NIH. I actually hope they will engage in research instead, though I wonder where they'll find the money to do it. (Or will they neglect the costs once more and pass them onward?)
Give me a break. The GOP is not the least bit interested in science. The party is majority creationist, for FSM's sake. Science has an annoying habit of exposing religious beliefs as utter nonsense, and most conservatives prefer the nonsense.
There is some good info on Francis Collins at these links:
http://atheismisdead.blogspot.com/2009/04/john-…
http://atheismisdead.blogspot.com/2009/05/new-a…
“The GOP is not the least bit interested in science. …”
As I was saying about that Big Lie. Believe all you wish…