There is no fundamental difference between the majority of so-called sceptics and the majority of crackpots. They are both victims of an ideology and both have yet to arrive at this fact, and there is absolutely nothing that will change their (your) minds.

The anti-vaccine crowd keeps going on about a Dr. Sherri Tenpenny (board certified osteopath, no less) whom they say “reveals the truth about Big Pharm and the dangers of vaccines”. I haven’t been able to find *any* critical analysis of what this person has written, although I have seen some of her content on youtube (easily refuted statistical maniuplation). She’s written several books on the subject and has a “four hour DVD that reveals all!”

But has anyone heard of her? No papers published on arxiv.org or in Nature or the Lancet for that matter.

And to keep this on subject, what’s the best site refuting the anti-vaxxers?

Thanks,
–sma

Keep up the good work

joel

Questioning science is not anti-science. Not even if the science is solid and repeatable and explainable and as beautiful as possible. Not even if it is the millionth time it has been asked. Not even if every PhD on the planet agrees it is true. Even screaming at the top of your lungs that all of our conclusions are wrong, is not necessarily anti-science. Questioning is always good, though perhaps, annoying.

Anti-science IS saying, “Shut up and stop questioning.” It is also unbelievably, arrogantly rude.

Every person on this planet is participating in this fantastic experiment called life. Their perspective might be limited, their logic might be faulty, but it is possible they still know some part of the truth we don’t. To be truly pro-science you must listen to find the truth wherever it comes from. Immaterial of whatever kind of non-sense surrounds it.

Remember, if enough people believe it, there is usually a good logical explanation there someplace.

I don’t want to come off like I’m discouraging good debate and disagreement. On the contrary. But a little respect for the “other” perspective wouldn’t hurt, you know. It might even encourage them to respect your perspective. Wouldn’t that be a nice change?

The tone of this blog is very condescending. I get so fed up with it on a regular basis I quit reading. I come back because I love astronomy and I love to “feel the love” for astronomy here. But too often it is about being this uber-skeptic. The irony here is that when “they” are skeptical about your conclusions it is anti-science. Not just skepticism.

Science doesn’t know everything. I hate to tell you that. But I have faith that it will, someday. No matter who shouts, “Everything is all wrong.” We’ll figure it out without ever shutting them up. And perhaps because we couldn’t.

I guess my point is that science doesn’t need you or me or anyone deciding what is science. It will do it all by itself. And approaching this with so much negativity is only going to hurt science. Please try some humility. I really love the love you have for astronomy. But your nastiness towards those with a different opinion is pushing my buttons.

It is silly to think that this one person who is asking you to change is going to make you change your blog for the positive. But it is sillier to think that if I don’t ask, that it will on its own. So there it is. Please tone down your attitude.

Thanks for that. I read you FAQ’s and it explained alot

Pete