Reality is a Pesky Thing

The other day, Jeb! Bush (R-FL) said that Pope Francis should not get into the issue of Climate Change, because "he is not a scientist," joining the chorus of conservatives who insist and making the same point.  First, the Pope actually is a scientist.  He's not a climate scientist, but a chemist, and he has a technical degree.  But for the sake of accuracy, he is, in fact, a scientist.  And has worked as a scientist.  He is also the head of state of the Vatican city/state, so he has every right to delve into any issue that any state leader can -- and he has a staff of scientists he can draw upon, as any head of state does.  But let's go further, let's even forget the argument, "Don't talk about women's health issues, you're not a woman."  And "Don't talk about war, you're not a soldier."  And "Don't talk about..." well, you get the idea.  And let's forget too that if he Pope's position on Climate Change supported that of conservatives, we'd no doubt be hearing about following his moral leadership.

No, instead, let's accept this line of argument that Mr. Bush and other conservatives are suggesting -- don't talk about Climate Change if you're not a scientist.  Only scientists should talk about Climate Change.  Indeed, only climate scientists should talk about Climate Change.  Fine, okay.  That's what you want?  Fair enough, let's accept that.  Only climate scientists should talk about Climate Change.  Well -- 97% of all climate scientists say that Climate Change is largely man made.  So, if those are the only people who conservatives say can be listened to on Climate Change...then start listening to them.