Republicans and other Conservatives, and Science

Apparently, only 6% of scientists identify as Republican or conservative. We don't actually know from the data that provided this insight if that 6% are good scientists or not, but it does say something about an essential open mindset for science, a reliance on data and proof, and a willingness to accept new information and to change to reflect what we learn that is new.

None of those ways of thinking or behaving from that list seems to be true of conservatives, as a general pattern. Here is right wing 'science', ranging from thinking on economics, to political science, to racial inequality, to their attitudes about gender and sexuality and biology, to their attitudes about sociology and criminology.

They are the party of double-down on failure; do not change, EVER. Do not adapt, do not learn, do not fact check. They are the party of ideology purity, no matter what evidence to the contrary. They are the party of the wedge issues and ginning up fear and hate. They are not just the stupid party, they are the party that uses hate and fear and suspicion as strategy and tactics. They are the party that rants about events like Benghazi, but doesn't have a clue where it is - and doesn't care, because they don't think they need to know FACTS. When that doesn't work.....they just lie. Science is about NOT lying, and it is about fighting ignorance.

Unless you are part of the right wing political spectrum; then for you this is 'science'.