Reply #3: This is why the state of our education system...

[YvonneCa]

...is so important. We can't afford to only teach math and reading and ignore everything else (which is what happened under NCLB). Kids have to learn science (and history, etc.) and that science is methodical...it is a way of thinking about the world and testing it systematically.We have so many citizens who lack this BASIC training...and it allows the 'flat-earthers'to happen and helps them pretend to be as credible as a scientist.

I posted about this at dKos on Senator Kerry's thread today:

Thank you, Senator Kerry for your dedication to this fight for our future. This is a little presumptuous of me, but I hope you will consider the importance of educating the public on this issue. I listened to a speech you gave a couple of years ago at the Council on Foreign Relations where you made the case for changing our energy policy. Many lines in that speech, IMHO, need to be repeated...often...until they are understood by everyone. Paraphrased, they are:

1. The Stone Age didn't end for a lack of stones, and the Oil Age won't end for a lack of oil...but the problems associated with use of that 'tool' became too difficult. Better tools were found.

2.If we're wrong, we get a cleaner Earth...but if THEY'RE wrong, we get catastrophe.

3.Your story examples about how reliance on oil has hurt the national security of our country.

Lastly, many people don't know what a 'scientific process' is...how it must be replicable and peer reviewed. So judging a real 'scientist' from someone who says they are a scientist doesn't happen. This needs to be taught to everyone...so people can judge the credibility of speakers on the issue of climate change.

Thank you, again for your hard work for our country.

Edited to add...nice rant, Tay. :7