Scientific American endorsed Kamala Harris, arguing that Trump’s attack on scientific fact is singularly dangerous.
24 September 2024
For only the second time in its history, Scientific American made an endorsement for President.
In their editorial, Scientific American wrote:
Vote for Kamala Harris to Support Science, Health and the Environment
Kamala Harris has plans to improve health, boost the economy and mitigate climate change. Donald Trump has threats and a dangerous record.
In the November election, the U.S. faces two futures. In one, the new president offers the country better prospects, relying on science, solid evidence and the willingness to learn from experience. She pushes policies that boost good jobs nationwide by embracing technology and clean energy. She supports education, public health and reproductive rights. She treats the climate crisis as the emergency it is and seeks to mitigate its catastrophic storms, fires and droughts.
In the other future, the new president endangers public health and safety and rejects evidence, preferring instead nonsensical conspiracy fantasies. He ignores the climate crisis in favor of more pollution. He requires that federal officials show personal loyalty to him rather than upholding U.S. laws. He fills positions in federal science and other agencies with unqualified ideologues. He goads people into hate and division, and he inspires extremists at state and local levels to pass laws that disrupt education and make it harder to earn a living.
. . .
At the top of the ballot, Harris does deserve our vote. She offers us a way forward lit by rationality and respect for all. Economically, the renewable-energy projects she supports will create new jobs in rural America. Her platform also increases tax deductions for new small businesses from $5,000 to $50,000, making it easier for them to turn a profit. Trump, a convicted felon who was also found liable of sexual abuse in a civil trial, offers a return to his dark fantasies and demagoguery, whether it’s denying the reality of climate change or the election results of 2020 that were confirmed by more than 60 court cases, including some that were overseen by judges whom he appointed.
One of two futures will materialize according to our choices in this election. Only one is a vote for reality and integrity. We urge you to vote for Kamala Harris.
Jennifer Rubin of the Washington Post agrees:
Put simply, regardless of your views on taxes or Ukraine or the deficit, a candidate who rejects established science and seeks to corrupt truth (either through unqualified flunkies in government or propaganda) disqualifies himself from the presidency. These candidates do not merely present competing opinion and policy options. They pose a choice between the Dark Ages and the Age of Enlightenment.
. . .
The threat in a second Trump term is far more profound and explicit. He was already caught promising he would repeal climate regulation in exchange for a $1 billion campaign donation.
. . .
Moreover, the GOP threat to replace 50,000 neutral experts with cranks, cronies, propagandists and ignoramuses should set off alarm bells. Whether it is the path of a hurricane, the safety of medication, the danger from climate change or the toxicity of chemicals, ordinary people’s lives depend on the accuracy and integrity of governmental data. When the latter become instruments of authoritarian control, people’s health and well-being are endangered.
Many Americans have been “conned” by Trump, brainwashed by the right-wing media spouting Trump’s lies over and over again or influenced by the riches Trump promises to the wealthy. The rest of us should not only support Harris and the Democrats but devote the next 6 weeks to influencing others to do so also.
Related essays:
Take It From a Scientist. Facts Matter, and They Don’t Care How You Feel, 22 September 2024
Trump is unfit for the Presidency, 2 September 2024
Trump's personality explained - it's worse than you thought, 13 August 2024
You wouldn't hire him - why would you elect him President? 23 July 2024
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