Fighting The Assault On Science In America

Shawn Lawrence Otto’s Fool Me Twice: Fighting The Assault On Science In America debuts today and should be required reading for anyone interested in science, policy, and real-world solutions.

“Whenever the people are well informed,” Thomas Jefferson wrote, “they can be trusted with their own government.”

But what happens in a world dominated by complex science? Are the people still well-enough informed to be trusted with their own government? And with less than 2 percent of Congress with any professional background in science, how can our government be trusted to lead us in the right direction?

Shawn’s excellent book outlines what’s not working in the American political system and why partisan politics and special interest groups often trump facts in the decision-making process.

In 2007, Shawn and I were two of the co-founders of ScienceDebate – the largest political initiative in the history of science working to get the presidential candidates to address science along the campaign trail. So you can expect that his book touches on similar themes that Chris Mooney and I explored in Unscientific America, with an updated perspective and new ideas. For example, he begins Chapter 13: Rethinking Our Religion with this troubling 2009 quote from U.S. Representative John Shimkus (R-IL):

I believe that’s the infallible word of God, and that’s the way it’s going to be for his creation…. The Earth will end only when God declares it’s time to be over. Man will not destroy this Earth. This Earth will not be destroyed by a flood….I do believe God’s word is infallible, unchanging, perfect…. There is a theological debate that this is a carbon starved planet, not too much carbon.

But Shawn goes on to celebrate the scientists and religious leaders working together to find effective ways to help people understand the most pressing issues like climate change, ocean health, and the environment.

Fool Me Twice goes well beyond religious battles. It’s a comprehensive roller coaster ride through the political process that should shock and infuriate readers, but ultimately offers hope and practical solutions. With the 2012 election upon us, make sure you pick up this book–it will give you plenty to think about along the campaign trail.