Scientific literacy outage leaves us still in the dark

Years ago Al Gore made an effort (and a movie) to try and educate the public about the dangers of global climate change. He was derided by some and mockingly called “Nature Boy.” These same Flat Earthers were either shills for big fossil fuel interests or in denial.

I remember Gore’s predictions, based on the best science at that time, of massive “super storms” as the atmosphere became more unstable. His visual presentations of these huge super tornadoes looked eerily like what we are experiencing today.

We will see more extreme weather because of our species’ success in voracious/disruptive consumption of the planet.

Unfortunately, our “leaders” would rather listen to special interest groups than to real scientists. Some speak as if they actually know something about these issues but, upon closer examination, it’s obvious they are just blowing smoke. Now is not the time to drag one’s heels.

Carl Sagan wrote “The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark” years ago to try and explain the scientific method/way of thinking to the general public. He was championing the cause for scientific reasoning instead of superstition and “gut” reactions. It seems, until our cities are under water, our crops failing for lack of rain, our oceans depleted, and our houses crushed by the wind, we’d rather pretend that nothing is wrong and we haven’t mucked up our planet.

From a scientist/geek and proud of it …

Unflattering image

The Ledger published a story offering information for people coming here to escape Hurricane Irma. The story was also posted to the CLE's Facebook page.

Numerous people added their own advice, and many of those who did warned these refugees not to come to Columbus, because they are safer in a hurricane than in this city. Some people said when you get to Columbus, keep driving. Others warned about the likelihood of getting a ticket for a ridiculous reason because of our city's decision to declare war on drivers in an obvious "money grab."

I hope our city leaders are paying attention. This is how citizens view Columbus now -- at least those who have Facebook accounts. Is this how you want visitors to view us?

Pet protection

Hurricanes Irma and Harvey are devastating reminders that disaster preparedness saves lives. American Humane is urging pet owners to take two simple — yet essential — steps to ensure you and your animal companions are ready before the next catastrophe strikes.

First, don’t forget the basics: Pets should always wear collars and I.D. tags with their name, a cell phone number, and any urgent medical needs; for added assurance, American Humane also recommends microchipping your pet. Remember, microchips aren’t GPS devices or location trackers; the devices simply store emergency contact information, which animal owners are responsible for providing and keeping up-to-date. Not sure where your best friend stands? Ask your veterinarian to check the registration status of your pet’s microchip.

Second, American Humane recommends developing a pet-specific disaster plan and evacuation kit, including: an extensive list of safe places — such as emergency animal shelters, pet-friendly hotels, and trusted relatives and friends located in another region — that could house your pets during an emergency; a comfortable pet carrier or crate; a favorite toy or comfort item, like a blanket; one-week supplies of water, nonperishable pet food, and medications; copies of veterinary records and vaccination history; and recent photos of you holding your pet, which can be used to help verify ownership in case of unexpected separation.

Our beloved four-legged family members should never be left behind in a disaster. To protect your pets, be prepared.

‘Disrespect’? Really?

"I am not going to participate or work with management that allows their players to disrespect the flag and the national anthem," said Steve Loomis, president, Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association. Here's a Loomis-like litmus test to verify patriotism: Stand rapt, hand on heart, and get dewy-eyed at the first strains of the anthem. That's capricious, subjective, and arbitrary. However, the players stood on the substantive, the Constitution and their collective bargaining agreement.

Dan Nemeth, president, Cleveland Association of Rescue Employees, considered the Browns management hypocrites. Nemeth couldn't fathom how they support the military, but allow players to exercise their constitutional rights and their collective bargaining rights.

Of course, Nemeth believes the players disrespected the flag. Read all four stanzas of the anthem. Blacks are called foul and polluted. Francis Scott Key gloated that the hireling and slave would be hunted like animals and killed. That's disrespect.

The flag and the anthem are symbols, which human life supersedes. A Justice Department 2014 report found there's reason to believe Cleveland Police engages in a pattern or practice of using unreasonable force, which violates the Fourth Amendment. Examples: unnecessary and excessive deadly force, head strikes with impact weapons, excessive force against people in mental health crisis, etc.

Loomis has denounced the findings, and vowed to fight reform. Loomis considers players kneeling during the anthem is as offensive as it gets.

Wrong. Steve Loomis is as offensive as it gets.

This story was originally published September 13, 2017 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Scientific literacy outage leaves us still in the dark."