Oops, I guess I'm not supposed to use the word "denier." Would "person who does not accept reality" work better?
Buried in this Slate article about D.R. Tucker, a former climate change denialist (oops, I'm such a meanie!) who ended up changing his mind and coming over to the light side, is this:
I asked Anthony Watts, the meteorologist who runs what may be the most popular climate-skeptic blog, Watts Up With That, what could lead him to accept climate science. A "starting point for the process," he said, wouldn't begin with more facts but instead with a public apology from the high profile scientists who have labeled him and his colleagues "deniers."
It's very telling, isn't it? This isn't about facts, it's about huwwwt feeeewwings. We're just too MEAN about science. We're too ROUGH with the reality in which we live. If we would only practice more POLITICAL CORRECTNESS, they might see our point of view. Oops, did I use the phrase "politically correct"? Gosh, I'm mean.
The "Right" has always used "political correctness" as a swear word (swear phrase?) In their minds, it's the epitome of everything wrong with the country. "Liberals" just don't want to tell it like it is. They want to tiptoe around the real issues. They can't face reality. They waffle. They capitulate. Of course, when it comes to wrangling in the sacred cows of the GOP, we liberals are just so MEAN. Why can't we be nicer? Why can't we open a dialogue? Why do we have to be so pushy?
There are some truths that the GOP simply cannot handle. Some truths that the GOP couch in "political correctness." Some truths that, when spoken aloud, rev up the Right Wing Outrage Machine like none other.
The truth is that a fetus is not the same as an adult woman.
The truth is that every life lost in Iraq, both on our "side" and their "side", was a tragic WASTE.
The truth is that George Bush, Dick Cheney, and Donald Rumsfeld are war criminals.
The truth is that the 2000 election was a farce.
The truth is that Fox News is a propaganda outlet rivaled only by Baghdad Bob.
The truth is that that SUV you're driving funds terrorism.
The truth is that the health insurance industry is a giant death panel.
The truth is that the Tea Party is laced to the core with racism.
The truth is that America was not founded as a Christian nation.
The truth is that the world's climate is changing, and we are to blame.
The truth is that if we don't do something about it, NOW, the future of our species is bleak.
I'm sorry, am I being mean? Should I be more politically correct?
The truth is that subsidizing corn farmers in Iowa isn't the answer to anything.
The truth is that the GOP directly contravenes the teachings of Jesus.
The truth is that Republican congresspeople are government employees funded by taxpayer money.
The truth is that every time Congress passes a tax cut for the rich, they are increasing their own take-home pay.
The truth is that America is at the very bottom of developed nations when it comes to positive outcomes such as healthy babies and educational attainment, and that conservative red states are at the very bottom of those indicators within our nation.
The truth is that blue states send more tax revenue to the government then they take in, and red states take in more than they send out.
The truth is our neighbors to the north and across the pond do not envy us and do not wish they were us.
The truth is that America is the laughingstock of OECD nations.
The truth is that people who cover their ears when they hear scientific fact are being willfully stupid.
I'd rather be mean than an ostrich with my head in the dirt.