Donna discusses Chris Mooney, author of The Republican War on Science

I don’t read political books. Especially these days, when they are pumped out as fast as writers can dump words onto the computer screen and publishers can dump files onto paper. Before 2000, I wasn’t even remotely interested in political books. Since then, I’ve looked at a few on the new books table at my local bookstore. Overall, they’ve been poorly thought out, poorly written, poorly edited, and beautifully produced. Because, I can only assume, sales are more important than content—to the authors, to the editors, and to the publishers. Quite a few of these garbage-in garbage-out books have become instant best sellers. I can’t help wondering if people are actually reading these books, or if they are just putting them on their desks at work to substitute for actual political acumen.

So, then, I can hear you thinking, “Why is she reviewing a book called The Republican War on Science?” I wasn’t even planning to read this book, to be honest. But last year at TAM4, at least five speakers recommended it. Strongly. “A must read.” “You have to read this.” “Every skeptic needs this book on their bookshelf.” “This book should be required reading for all Americans.” It made me think, “maybe this book is different.” So I went home, ordered the book, and read it as soon as I pulled it out of my mailbox. I’m sorry to say, I haven’t thought about it much since.

I planned to interview the author, Chris Mooney, for this column. I still hope to get an interview done before next month. But I’ve had a problem pulling my questions together. Every time I pick up the book to go back through it and find interesting topics to talk about, I get pissed off to the point where my breathing feels restricted. I don’t like to be full of rage and anger. I prefer to think about things that make me happy and peaceful. So I put the book down, forget about the interview, and pick up my knitting.

I’m sure pissing people off is not Mooney’s intent. (Or maybe it is. Do we need to be incited to anger in order to get off our butts and do something to create change?) I prefer to think his intent is to educate and inform those of us who may not be aware of how the US government is undermining and outright disregarding science in policymaking. Armed with facts and evidence, we should be able to find ways to challenge the anti-science forces in our country and create momentum in a different direction.

Unlike the vast majority of political tomes in bookstores these days, Mooney’s book is very well researched and well written. His sources are documented with 61 pages of notes from published sources (pages 267-328 in the hardcover), plus 8 pages of interview notes (pages 257-264 in the hardcover). And Mooney himself does not seem to be filled with rage. He sticks to facts and presents them in a calm and logical fashion.

I went to see Chris give a talk at the Tattered Cover in Denver soon after the hardcover of The Republican War on Science came out. His presentation was professional and reserved, although he seemed a little nervous. I’ve since heard and seen him interviewed on several podcasts and TV shows. He always maintains a calm demeanor and a firm hold on the facts, and his presentation style has become much more polished than during the early days of his book tour. He is not swayed by questions and counterarguments, whether they are emotional or intelligent. His ability to remain calm and professional in every situation is one of the things I want to ask him about in my interview. I mean, how can you talk about such infuriating things such as abstinence only so-called education, creation so-called science, the so-called clean air act, without your head exploding? I’m equally amazed at Sam Harris’s ability to retain composure during interviews. I would like to develop this skill.

The practical information in The Republican War on Science is relegated to an epiloge aptly titled “What We Can Do.” It’s slim pickings, to be honest. As I recall (and I may be mistaken), it is mostly the standard “write your representatives” advice. I understand that this section has been expanded in the paperback issue, and I look forward to reading it.

Well, I’m rushing to get ready for my own book tour next week, so I’ve rambled enough. Please pick up a copy of the new <paperback version of Republican War on Science or borrow a copy from a friend of your local public library. Let’s get pissed off. Let’s get educated. Let’s get informed and inspired. Let’s talk books. And then let’s use what pisses us off to create positive change.