It Mooney can´t get his facts straight about something so simple, it´s time to ignore him. For my own future reference, though, and that of anyone who´s morbidly curious about this mini-fiasco, Jerry Coyne has a nice compilation of relevant posts, which he seems to be continuously updating. Though it doesn´s include this most lovely-titled of posts. Notice how Mooney has nothing of substance to say in reply, saying only that the debate is a waste of time–in which case, why doesn´t he shut up?
This is deliciously rich. I am accused of telling people to "shut up" whenever I even hint that, in a world with limited time on our hands, we might want to be thoughtful, introspective, and strategic about the best way to make our very important arguments in defense of science and reason. Mine has not been an attempt to squelch dialogue, but on the contrary, to spark it among members of a like minded group of scientists and science aficionados, concerning best approaches and practices. And of course such dialogues happen all the time among many communities. Take for instance the environmental and climate change community, where I also participate, where there is also lots of internal debate, but not (at least that I can recall) similar wild accusations of censorship. And now, an atheist blogger actually tells me to "shut up," using precisely those words. I trust there will be round denunciation of this behavior?
