Along with our cultural distrust of government, American society doesn’t trust science, whether the scientific information is about climate, vaccines, evolution, or toothpaste. What’s going on? Why can’t we sort the valid information from the advertising? Continue reading
Author Archives: Don Neeper
Blog 76. Conspiracy Theories of American Government
These days, the term* “conspiracy theory” connotes a kooky opinion held by paranoid people. The truth is more serious. Continue reading
Blog 75. Water, Water, Worries Everywhere
A week ago, the governor of California ordered a 25% reduction in water use. Well, the 25% statewide reduction will turn the big lawns brown, as they should be in this climate, Continue reading
Blog 74. Common Ground on Hostile Turf
In her book, Common Ground on Hostile Turf, Lucy Moore shows that resolution of conflict depends more on the sharing of personal stories than on the facts, legal arguments, or moral claims of the parties. Continue reading
Blog 73. Money Sources and Sinks in Corporate-style Education
If state legislatures are stingy, where can public universities go to get the income that pays their administrators very well, while paying their lower-ranked faculty [1] less than well? Continue reading
Blog 72. Corporate Schools As Educational Tools?
Regarding the operation of a club, a firm, or a governmental office, I sometimes hear the statement, “It should be run like a business.” Sounds good. But does “running like a business” apply to government? Especially to schools? Continue reading
Blog 71. The War on Science
The cover of the March 2015 issue of National Geographic magazine blazes with the title, “THE WAR ON SCIENCE.” Continue reading
Blog 70. Emergencies, Disasters, and Fears
The headline reads, “Americans Unprepared for Natural Disasters.” The article is not sensational journalism. Continue reading