Smoke Or Steam Author:Samuel R. Aldrich Clarence Thomas, US Supreme Court Justice said: — By yielding to a false form of civility, we sometimes allow our critics to intimidate us. ? That is not civility, it is cowardice. — This Second Edition is guided by that principle. — It is for those who are bewildered by the many conflicting claims about environmental matters, and seek unbiased sci... more »entific information.
It is for anyone who believes, or is open to persuasion, that unbiased research and the opinions of qualified scientists should play dominant roles in supplying credible information for environmental decision making.
Scientists, however, are not decision makers. That right is reserved for citizens.
This book is not for those whose attitude is: My mind is made up. Don?t confuse me with the facts.
In the first edition in 1994, the author dealt with some issues rather timidly. Nine years later, uncertainty surrounding many has been removed by new research or environmental developments. The agendas of groups and organizations have become more clear. Statements in this edition are, therefore, more bold.
The Second Edition is not a revision. Scientific facts in the first still stand. A popular U.S. president said: ?Facts are stubborn things?. This edition covers more topics, supplies more information and completes some subjects.
No attempt is made to be ?politically correct?. It ?calls a spade a spade?, and ?lets the chips fall where they will?.
It is with reluctance that I write critically of several aspects of the environmental movement. It is my version of the news media adage: ?The public?s right to know?. An important goal is to develop a healthy skepticism of many stories and claims.
When you finish, you will be aware that the planet earth is in far better condition than you expected; that many hazards have been sensationalized beyond recognition.
This book is not to be read like a novel, then put on the shelf to gather dust. Keep it handy for reference the next time the news media proclaims a new crisis. Chances are good that you will find something helpful.
This book is filled with citations for two reasons: Sources deserve credit and are most authentic in their own words.« less