The Arrogance of Jeb Bush

[applegrove]

The Arrogance of Jeb Bush

by Timothy Egan at the NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/29/opinion/the-arrogance-of-jeb-bush.html?_r=2&referrer=

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“And for the people to say the science is decided on, this is just really arrogant, to be honest with you,” said Bush. “It’s this intellectual arrogance that now you can’t have a conversation about it even.”

Is it arrogant to say that smoking causes lung cancer? That you shouldn’t text and drive? That the American diet and lifestyle cause Type 2 diabetes, which is killing people? There is some wiggle room in each of those assertions. But you test them at your peril. Since when did prudence become a vice in a family whose presidential patriarch was guided by what “wouldn’t be prudent”?

In that sense, Jeb Bush is the living example of another bit of truthiness from science: Evolution does not always mean advancement.

In fables, in biblical parables, in history lessons mostly forgotten, a single theme repeats itself: It’s arrogant to defy nature.



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[HassleCat]

1. Arrogance vs. Arrogance

He would have a point, except the "conversation" he advocates is supported by the tiny fragment of scientists, many speaking from outside their areas of expertise, who claim the majority of climatologists, physicists, modelers, etc. are all wrong, or on the take, or crazy, or partners in a conspiracy of some sort. It's OK to say, "I think you're wrong, but let's go ahead and seek some solutions anyway, just in case you're right." These jokers are saying, "You're wrong and we can't do anything until you address every one of my objections." That's the statement of a truly arrogant person.