Don’t ignore what science has to teach - Bozeman Chronicle

Found here. Our comments in bold.
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There were some encouraging things going in the streets of Bozeman on a recent sunny Saturday. Throngs of people from diverse backgrounds took to the streets to extol the merits of science and how it affects every facet of our lives. (Actually, they did not extol the merits of science. Their purpose was to agitate for government funding of their preferred issues, some of which may be related to science.)

On the steps of the courthouse downtown, speakers stayed away from political statements but made insightful remarks about the importance of science. (Wouldn't it be nice if the Chronicle cite one or two of these "insightful remarks?" We then could judge for ourselves whether or not they were insightful.

The Chronicle editorialists are intent on painting a picture of these demonstrators in the most favorable terms possible. You will note the flowery language throughout.)

And drive-by hecklers who have been known to harass demonstrators were conspicuously absent. (That is, dissenters... people who disagree are automatically harassers.)

Similar scenes played out in other communities around the nation.

What’s not so encouraging is that there was a need for a March for Science. Skepticism over climate change has demonized science in the minds of many, prompting advocates to seek ways to remind us all about what scientists have done for us. (This is a preposterous assertion. Real science is based on open inquiry, hypotheses, the Scientific Method, and reproducibility. Skepticism is, or was, welcomed in the scientific community and has led to many breakthroughs in knowledge.

The writers noted above that speakers stayed away from political statements. Based on its objections about the "demonization" of science, apparently the Chronicle does not feel similar restraint.)

(Now here comes the irrelevant misdirection....) Medical science has given us more effective treatments for nearly all deadly diseases. It has added 30 years to our life expectancy over the last century. Science sent men to the moon and brought them back safely and makes possible unmanned exploration of deep space. It was through science that we developed the military technology that made the United States a superpower in the world. And science has advanced agriculture so that we can feed billions more people than we could just 75 years ago.

Virtually no one questioned the intricacies of assumptions and experiments required to make all those things happen. No one questions the doctor who suggests a science-based treatment for a sick loved one. (In other words, because scientists have done such wonders in some areas, we should trust them in others? That is a Category Error.

And, as noted above, science is all about change in the face of skepticism. Dissent should be welcomed.)

But when scientists had the audacity to tell us that evidence shows our fossil-fueled lifestyle is the leading cause of climate change, millions upon millions suddenly knew better — so many that we now need to demonstrate our advocacy for science by marching in the street. (Ah, scientists are never wrong? We did not know that.)

Let’s hope that will not be necessary in the next generation.

Let’s be thankful for science and scientists — for all the things they have done to improve the human condition here at home and around the world. Let’s be grateful that climatologists are willing to soldier on in the face of withering but unfounded political opposition. (This is so over-the-top. Yes, let's be thankful. Bow down and be grateful. If you disagree, keep your mouth shut. 

This is the language of totalitarians.)

Let’s accept their conclusions — grounded in scientific method — when they tell us what we are doing is harming the planet.

And then let’s enact policy that will lessen that harm.