For me, one of the most interesting parts of the talk happened before Gallagher started speaking. He was introduced by Philip Unitt, Curator of Birds and Mammals at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Unitt is one of San Diego's best-known and most experienced birders. He is author of the monumental San Diego County Bird Atlas. I was somewhat taken aback to hear Unitt introduce his guest by saying that (a close paraphrase) "although we would all like to believe a magnificent bird like the Ivory-bill still exists," there are "serious questions about the evidence," and we should "maintain our scientific objectivity." It's not often that a host says his guest speaker might be full of s**t! Gallagher ignored Unitt's remarks.
Sunday
2 hours ago
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4 comments:
This is the way we know it ends. First, no one questions your sighting of Elvis, then reason begins to prevail and your speaking engagements begin to be challenged. Then a cascade of emboldened experts call bull honky and it's over.
One day you are a hero and the next you are the south end of north facing mule.
Going to be tough for these guys from now on. I feel sorry for them.
Going to be tough for these guys from now on. I feel sorry for them.
No you don't. Don't lie.
No... I really mean it. I don't think there was hoax or dishonesty here. Certainly, not in the beginning... I don't think?!
There is now intellectual dishonesty, not the mean kind, but of the stubborn kind. And we've all been guilty of that.
"No... I really mean it. I don't think there was hoax or dishonesty here. Certainly, not in the beginning... I don't think?!
There is now intellectual dishonesty, not the mean kind, but of the stubborn kind. And we've all been guilty of that."
Dishonesty is dishonesty anyway one cuts it. It has allways been if one presumes something, believes in what he presumes, and is found to be in error later & admits error, he/she is considered highly for that action by their peers. If one fails to admit error & keeps up in a vain attempt to prove their point, all they will ever do is put theirselfs into a position where their peers do not think very highly of them anymore & they begin to lose respect for them & their actions.
This appears to be what is starting to take place here. Even the very people who are the ones who should be the most respectful of them, have not started issuing disclaimer when they are assoicated with them. It is sad it had to come to this point. Things could have been differant if they had not taken the position "We are right, We were allways right, We don't care what everyone else things & Everyone else is wrong!"
You reap what you sow & like I said, it's sad. It didn't have to be this way!
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