Dumb Scientist

Before I begin, I should note that I feel even dumber writing about politics than physics because I find politics to be much more confusing than physics. This is mostly due to how hard it is to get unbiased information (not to mention recognizing my own biases and trying to compensate for them). Also, there isn’t a clear “measure of success” analogous to experimental constraints placed on theoretical predictions that can be used to compare different policies. Finally, separating policy effects from other socio-economic factors is generally difficult if not impossible. As a result, one personality trait that I dislike in leaders is unquestioning certainty in the righteousness of their own actions and political positions. I want leaders to have the introspective critical thinking skills needed to see the flaws in their own ideas, the objectivity to recognize good points raised by their opponents and the humility to admit it. (more…)

I started to document all the horrible decisions Trump made which dramatically worsened the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., but was quickly overwhelmed by the task. That pathologically dishonest dumpster fire of debilitating personality flaws needs to be removed from office. Then we need to start fixing all the damage he’s done to our institutions and global reputation. We need to make up for lost time in our urgent fight against climate change, and our ongoing fights against racism, transphobia, and other forms of bigotry.

But the pandemic has made it clear that there are other serious problems in American society which are just as urgent. (more…)

Many issues in American politics confuse me, but the widespread opposition to gay marriage truly boggles my mind. In a bizarre turn of events, California banned same-sex marriage, then Iowa struck down a similar ban. Until just recently, the U.S. was one of the few western nations that refused to decriminalize homosexuality. Miss California became a GOP star last week because of her opinion on this issue. My personal reaction, on the other hand, was similar to Jon Stewart’s: (more…)