[SoftballMominVA]

If we want to accomplish anything, we have to deceive them into letting us accomplish it

I'd like to take this in another direction. How many times have we the public seen movie stars testifying to Congress about scientific, medical, business, or social issues - and worst of all, these people are taken seriously?

Another poster mentioned Rachel Carson. Yes, she helped, through her book Silent Spring, ban DDT. In doing so, how many deaths can be laid at her feet from the out of control mosquito population in Africa? Did anyone stop to examine her credentials to make sure she was in the best position of knowledge to lead this crusade?

Let's look at Al Gore. What is in his background that makes him an expert on global warning? What about Meryl Streep wtih her tearful begging before Congress? Oh my, the list can go on and on.

The public ignores hard science, and embraces the position of celebrities because, well, daggone it, they SOUND so good and they LOOK so good and they APPEAR to be so knowledgeable. But ... they aren't. And those that put any credence to their screeds are foolish and dangerous

[TASMANIANRED]

Rachael Carson is the biggest mass murder ever.

She makes Stalin and Hitler look like pikers.

[Taxman]

The public ignores hard science, and embraces the position of celebrities because, well, daggone it, they SOUND so good and they LOOK so good and they APPEAR to be so knowledgeable. But ... they aren’t. And those that put any credence to their screeds are foolish and dangerous.”

Well said! Fits Obama to a tee!

[stylin_geek]

Actually, I would submit that the average person yawns at the drivel that comes out of the mouth of a celebrity. However our ruling elites are impressed by these people and assume that since they’re impressed, we rubes are too.

[CottonBall]

How many times have we the public seen movie stars testifying to Congress about scientific, medical, business, or social issues - and worst of all, these people are taken seriously?

I find it ridiculous that supposed intelligent politicians wouldn't laugh these actors right out of the room. We've become a country of style over substance. With the dumbing down of the population comes not only less understanding of scientific issues but acceptance that someone famous that says they get it must.

The way to fix it? Fix education so that kids actually learn and get conservatives in office.