Of Nazis And Slaves

At some point, we're all Nazis and slaves.

The latest bad analogy to grace our collective experiences as a rotten species is this gem by way of Jim Hansen; King of NASA:

"This week, NASA climate scientist James Hansen described climate change as a “great moral issue” similar to the movement to end slavery. He linked the climate change debate with the 19th century struggle to abolish slavery from the United States with his claim that both have enormous consequences and are behind the “injustice of one generation to others.” He made the comments in the lead-up to an award he will receive next week for his contribution to science."

Operative phrase: He "linked."

What rubbish.

This is not to argue against his overall premise - that climate change is real and will have a significant impact on humanity - but to use slavery is to manipulate and appeal to an emotional impulse.

Slavery has always been part, and likely be a part of in some way, of human history. Once this fact is accepted, we can move on to the next point.

That being despite its existence it hasn't destroyed us, and most probably never will, as a species.

As per - yawn - usual whenever someone wants to make a dramatic point, he's conflating American experiences with slavery unique to its history and circumstances to something far bigger. In this case, climate change and its potential global impact. Unlike slavery which is made up of humans, it's part of something much larger than us: Mother Nature.  Always will be.

It's a science issue. Not saying there are no "moral" components. Just saying it shouldn't get mixed up with stuff like, I don't know, slavery.

I don't see how politicizing it makes it necessarily more true.

Sounds like he's trying to force science to catch up to an ideal.

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Being a skeptic, by the way, doesn't necessarily make someone a shill for big oil.

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Anyway, not all of NASA is on board.