God, I love Tristero. This thread just so succintly sums up my feeling about the pointlessness of arguing with lunatics:
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/dont-waste-your-time-arguing-by.htmlSure, we can contest them. But if we completely ignore their utterly ridiculous lies, distortions, and antiquated disputes, then we, not they, get to set the terms of the discourse. That is one reason why great scientists won't bother to lower themselves to engage folks like the bozos behind Conservapedia (doing so also elevates the bozos). I see no reason why anyone, scientist or layperson, should enter an argument over the relativism of relativity. On the other hand, I do think we need to expose right wing ignoramuses as often as possible. In order to ridicule them. And to sneer. But argue over whether E=MC squared makes Jesus' miracles impossible?
That's a waste of time. Ok, go ahead if you want to. Whatever. But if want to do some real good, you'll laugh at them instead.