"Congressman: ‘I Am A Scientist’ And There’s No Evidence Of Manmade Climate Change"

[kpete]

“Well, I am a scientist,” Benishek responded. “You know, I believe in peer-reviewed science. But, I don’t see any peer-reviewed science that proves there is man-made catastrophic climate change.”



Benishek is running for re-election in Michigan’s 1st Congressional District, which he first won in 2010. His opponent, Democratic nominee and Army veteran Jerry Cannon, has said he does believe in global warming, according to ABC 10 News.

According to his congressional website, Benishek earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Michigan back in 1974. He went on to graduate from Wayne State Medical School in 1978, and has since worked as a general surgeon in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and worked part-time at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.

Data from the website OpenSecrets shows the oil and gas industry has been Benishek’s third biggest supporter in the 2013-2014 election cycle, having given his campaign $58,550. Leadership PAC’s were his largest supporter, with health professionals just behind. And Follow the Money ranks Benishek’s total haul from the oil and gas industries since 2010 at over $125,000.

As for climate scientists themselves, a recent roundup of peer-reviewed literature in the field found a 97 percent agreement that humanity’s carbon emissions are a major driver of climate change.


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the rest:
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/10/09/3577919/benishek-is-a-scientist/

[HereSince1628]

1. Classic misadventure of the argument from authority.

I suppose as a general surgeon he does a LOT of reading in climate journals to have such a complete working knowledge of the literature on climate science.

Because you know there are just not a lot of generals needing surgery in the UP.

[yellowcanine]

5. Not to mention that most General Surgeons would not be considered scientists.

Yes they use medical science in their practice. But are they doing what most scientists do, that is, scientific research? No.

[Lex]

2. "the oil and gas industry has been Benishek’s third biggest supporter"

Bought and paid for.

[valerief]

3. "I used to be a scientist until the oil and gas industry bought me off. Now I'm a

Congressional whore."

[HereSince1628]

7. I wouldn't even acknowlege he was a scientist.

He earned a degree in biology -- which -is- a science-- but he gives no evidence of ever being a science professional.

Similarly, I would argue being a surgeon isn't the same as being a scientist. The goal of science is extending knowledge. That's not a typical part of the practice of medicine and surgery. True modern medicine and surgery based on information gained scientifically, but the day-to-day work is that of applied technology and interpersonal skills aimed which prioritizes outcomes for patients rather than building the body of medical understanding.

IOW the relationship of the practice of medicine to biological and chemical science is somewhat parallel with the relationship that exists between the practice of automechanics and the science of physics.

[JaneyVee]

4. Follow the $$$$$$$

[dilby]

6. Wait so a Bachelor of Science = Scientist?

Oh hell yeah! Can't wait to tell my girlfriend she is sleeping with a scientist.

[Marr]

8. I know a guy with a bachelor's in biology who doesn't believe evolution is real.

There are some very odd idiots out there. Add a cash incentive for being ignorant, and... well, there you go.

[Johonny]

9. But he isn't a scientist

A bachelor in biology does not a scientist make. A bachelor in science is not a very prestigious degree. It is enough to make you a lab technician or a premed as the case actually is. He has a science degree from 1974 which is long before climate became an issue. He isn't an active scientist. He has never been an active scientist. He clearly has no idea of the current peer reviewed literature and most importantly is not researching in the field. His opinion is just that a ill informed opinion. Here is some of his deeply false genius on climate.

Benishek dismisses the scientific opinion on climate change, stating "It’s all baloney. I think it’s just some scheme, I mean, thirty years ago we they were warning us about global cooling"

Yes, a scheme by BIG SCIENCE to roll in the money. Thirty years ago most people in the current field weren't even active researches, the global cooling is a myth, and if that is the extent of his knowledge of peer reviewed literature then man this country is screwed. His big two issues are he hates women err abortion and he hates gun control. What a great human being. Just another FOX news brain dead idiot that thinks he knows things, but doesn't. Fuck 'em.

[randome]

10. He believes in peer-reviewed science but laments that almost everyone agrees.

[hr][font color="blue"][center]Precision and concision. That's the game.[/center][/font][hr]