The Republican party is well known for their low regard for science, but it is interesting to see how scientists feel about the Republican party in return. In a new study, scientists were asked their political affiliation. The results?
Democratic 55%
Independent 32%
Republican 6%
They also asked Independents which way they lean, which makes the results even more stark:
Democratic or lean Democratic 81%
Republican or lean Republican 12%
The study also shows that scientists generally believe the media’s portrayal of science is sloppy.
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The study reports horribly poor results on the test. What kind of morons were they studying?! I’m beginning to doubt the wisdom of democracy reading this – I mean, is this people who should have a say in how the country is run?
Karin I literally have no clue as to what you were trying to say in your previous comment. I’m not sure if you think scientists should have their right to vote suspended, or that you apparently believe there was some sort of knowledge-based exam described in this post. I just don’t know. Congratulations Karin, your stupidity has given me a migraine.
I don’t think this is a good sign for scientists – as a person who leans towards the Republican stance, and considers myself a fairly knowledgeable person. There are many others who believe the same way I do, many of the time in the majority! So, not trying to rain on a Democrat column’s parade, but just thought I’d throw my 2 cents in – I mean, how can a scientist discover whether it’s right or not to favor abortion, whether to raise income tax, and whether or not prayer should be allowed in schools? Most areas in politics are up for debate, not scientifically provable. And don’t tell me scientists are atheists and would therefore not want prayer in schools, because both Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein believed in God.
David, science can never make decisions, but science can always inform decisions. For example, an economist can study the effects of raising and lowering income tax, and a someone who studies the constitution can decide whether or not prayer in schools violates the constitution.
And it is not clear whether Albert Einstein believed in God.
See http://atheism.about.com/od/einsteingodreligion/tp/Was-Einstein-an-Atheist-.htm
But I’m not sure what your point was. I think the point of the original article was that Republicans often act in a way that is anti-science, for example, against the well-established theory of evolution, or open to the idea of man-made climate change.
Did any of you morons read the actual survey to see who they polled? They called people on their phones during the day. What educated (and thus working) Americans are going to answer their phones for surveyors during the day? Also, the “scientists” they used were members of the AAAS who were polled online. Let me go further and note that ANYBODY who donates money and pays dues can join the AAAS and thus take the survey for this study.
“an economist can study the effects of raising and lowering income tax”
Economics, just like anything involving the actions and reactions of humans, is not a strict science.
“a someone who studies the constitution can decide whether or not prayer in schools violates the constitution.”
Not only was this sentence grammatically incorrect (herpderp), it also shows a misunderstanding of the word “science”.
“I think the point of the original article was that Republicans often act in a way that is anti-science, for example, against the well-established theory of evolution, or open to the idea of man-made climate change.”
This statement is both close-minded and empty-headed. I’M SURE WE ARE ALL AWARE THAT THE FEW MOST VOCAL MEMBERS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY SPEAK FOR EVERY SINGLE MEMBER JUST AS EVERY SINGLE DEMOCRAT IS PRO-CHOICE AND LOVES ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
I love how close minded people become when looking at groups with opposing views. My name is Dan. I am currently working on my degree in Computer Science, my older brother is in med school at UVA and my father is an engineer for Lockheed Martin. My father and brother are both republicans and I consider myself a libertarian but lean towards the republican side. We all believe in evolution. None of us attend church regularly and also support gay marriage. The point of everything I am saying is just because there are bible thumping christians who disregard science that does not mean we are all that way.
What is the point of this anyway? Why must our country be so concerned with our “side” of the government. Why do we have to be a republican or a democrat? I agree with points from both sides and will therefore defend both sides when I choose but everyone who sits around making articles about how the other side is evil or stupid is just setting us all back. Do we really live in a time when I have only two choices? Must a constantly be expected to side with “my” party when I only agree with 60% of their policies? Open your minds and your hearts and end this stupid division between democrats and republicans. Vote for the change you want and not the side you chose.
Dan, I totally agree with you. And many of the regulars on this site feel the same way.
However, I have to point out that a majority of Republicans don’t believe in evolution. See http://www.gallup.com/poll/145286/four-americans-believe-strict-creationism.aspx That doesn’t mean you are all that way, but…
If you bother to visit AAAS on the web, you can swiftly find evidence they are a nakedly political organization. TAX policy is a top issue for them.