Thinkquote of the day: Science journalists as mere cheerleaders for science?

From the Canadian Science Writers' Association's ScienceLink, the "truly egregious sin of journalists and especially of specialist science writers," according to veteran sci jo Peter Calamai of the Star is

... we tend to be cheerleaders for science. Where in the mass media are the investigative articles about the making of a Canadian science policy by stealth or the distortion of national research priorities by giving the private sector an effective veto over co-funded projects?

Yeah really. Calamai addresses the seven sins of science writers (according to scientists) and gets us off with time served. My favorite Calamai quote from the article, which isn't webbed, is in response to accusations that popular media don't provide their readers with scientific background knowledge:

True. Remedial education for people who didn't pay attention in Grade 6 is not our job. We have neither the space/time nor the inclination.

In my case, I'd also say I don't have any qualifications as an elementary schoolteacher.

If you like this blog, check out my book on the intelligent design controversy, By Design or by Chance?. You can read excerpts as well.

Are you looking for one of the following stories?

A summary of recent opinion columns on the ID controversy

A summary of recent polls of US public opinion on the ID controversy

A summary of the Catholic Church's entry into the controversy, essentially on the side of ID.

O'Leary's intro to non-Darwinian agnostic philosopher David Stove ?

An ID Timeline: The ID folk seem always to win when they lose.

O’Leary’s comments on Francis Beckwith, a Dembski associate, being denied tenure at Baylor.

Why origin of life is such a difficult problem.

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