The Republican war on science is continuing, and the Smithsonian Institute is a new battleground. Earlier this year, the Smithsonion withdrew its agreement to let the Discovery Institute show an anti-evolution film.
Now, the Smithsonian is hosting a lecture with Michael Crichton, complete with a book signing. Michael Crichton will talk about "sound science" which is Republican code for "science that supports what I think, and not what my opponents think." Papers skeptical of global warming fall into this category. Michael Crichton's book State of Fear has the premise that global warming is a hoax perpetrated by evil environmentalists.
Smithsonian Resident Association Program :
An Afternoon with Michael Crichton
In Collaboration with The Washington Center for Complexity and Public Policy
Sun., Nov. 6, 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Isn't it interesting how his novels always seem to pre-date some real-world scientific discovery, technological development or headline event?
Michael Crichton, mega-selling author and creator of the modern techno-thriller, has helped millions of readers understand the meaning, usefulness, and potential dangers of science and technology at the cutting edge. He talks with us about how emerging scientific discoveries have informed his writing-from The Andromeda Strain to Jurassic Park to television's ER, and his most recent novel, State of Fear-and what he's learned from his behind-the-scenes research. He also shares his thoughts about the importance of sound science as the under-girding framework for public policy-making in the 21st century.
State of Fear (HarperCollins) is available for signing after the program. (NOTE: Only copies of State of Fear will be signed by Dr. Crichton.)