Why Liberals and Conservatives React to Science Differently

  This new article brings up some interesting issues in bridging gaps in understanding and communication in our increasingly polarized society.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
chris-mooney/why-republicans-deny-scie_b_1196823.html

   I hope that all of you who are working for "change" might benefit from the perspective of this writer, a perspective which I found helpful and worthy of further study. Recently someone related a conversation to me about her showing a book to an elementary age school girl in the presence of her religiously conservative parents and being tool to put it away because "We don't believe in global warming".

   As a former NASA scientist who strongly believes in educating our children not only about the concepts and facts of science, but also in the mature thinking processes that lead to good analysis of issues and the ability to conceive (and test) new theories, I am continually frustrated by the challenges of communicating with those who prefer, not only prefer, but seem to be wired, to live their lives with blinders on.  And some of these individuals seem quite intelligent.

   To quote from the article,

   "Here's the bottom line: An increasing body of science suggests that we disagree about politics not for intellectual or philosophical reasons, but because we have fundamentally different ways of responding to the basic information presented to us by the world. These are often ways of which we are not even aware--automatic, subconscious--but that color all of our perceptions, and that effectively drive us apart politically."This jibes with what I have been saying for some time-  You can't change minds unless you deal with the emotional framework involved.  And here in Franklin County, PA,  THAT can be a huge challenge.

Blessings to all
Lee Scott

"HANDS OFF-NO CUTS" Campaign is Rolling!

See our MEDICARE/SS page for details on this important movement led by The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (www.ncpssm.org).  Our club has materials to participate, including protest cards to mail to Senator Toomey.

Club to picket Shuster's Chambersburg Office Noon Oct 18

We have signs, and will gather at 11:30 (place to be announced).  Then a march to his office. Sheldon Schwartz is coordinating this.

Bridges are Failing and So Are Our Politicians

In Pennsylvania, 5,906 bridges are deficient—and 22,773,880 vehicles cross those bridges every day. Meanwhile, 8.2 percent of Pennsylvanians are jobless.


With so many Pennsylvanians out of work and so many bridges and other pieces of critical infrastructure in need of work, there’s a simple solution: Congress must pass legislation putting jobless Americans to work fixing critical infrastructure—bridges, schools, roads, ports and more.

Call Representative Shuster. Tell him that America is ready to get to work on our bridges, transit, rail, airports, highways, schools and the rest of our failing infrastructure.

These projects don’t just create good jobs for the people who do the original work—though that’s a big part of why they are important right now. They also make our economy perform better in the long term by increasing productivity. And they make America and our state better, safer places to live.

When you fly to Shanghai, you land in a brand-new airport, you have high-speed broadband access from the moment you arrive and you can get on a high-speed train in the arrival terminal that will take you directly to downtown Shanghai at speeds faster than 100 miles per hour.

This just isn’t available in any U.S. city. But we can change that. We can meet these standards—and beat them. But only if our leaders rise to the challenge.

You Can Participate in the Wall Street Protests

Take part in the national movement to bring equality to the market place by participating in the anti-Wall Street protests "virtually". Check out the web site: http://www.marchonwallstreet.org/

What a terrific send off

Fellow Democrats: thanks for the wonderful send off for this editor and her spouse. We will be back to campaign in 2011. Lee Scott will be taking over the website management and making some improvements.

September Meeting Change of Time and Venue

The Greencastle Antrim Democratic Club will be having our usual monthly meeting on Monday, September 12, at 7:30PM. We are planning to meet at Casey's Bar & Grill (www.caseysatbat.com) 155 S. Antrim Way, 717.597.8383. This is a change of time and venue. More details will follow later.

Were you there? The Franklin County Democratic Party's sun fest at the Roy Pitz Brewery was a great success. Great music? Great refreshments? and wonderful people from all over the county.

Corbett's Advisory Group Asks For Tough Gas Pipeline Regs

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Governor Corbett's advisory commission on the Marcellus Shale called on the State to become the first to regulate gas pipelines in rural areas. Pennsylvania is the only natural gas producing state in the US that does not have any regulation on the companies that drill in the well fields.

The pipeline industry has successfully fought any regulations for years. earlier this year both houses passed different versions of a bill giving the Pennsylvania State Public Utility Commission the authority to oversee pipeline in populated areas. But, according to the Inquirer, the panel's report calls for regulation even in the most rural areas.

Democratic Summer Event August 20

Don't miss the Franklin County Democratic party. Join us at the Roy Pitz Brewery in Chambersburg on Saturday August 20, 3-8 pm. Two local bands, good local beer and lots of fun. Admission is $10. for adults and $7. for students and includes beer for those 21 years of age and older. Good food will also be available. Time to regroup and reenergize for the tough political battles ahead.

Yard Sale Great Success

Thanks to the generous contributions of our members and the many willing hands and hearts we were able to have a very successful yard sale as a fundraiser. Our treasury is a bit richer and we will be able to buy into the cooperative campaign items buying group.

Several readers have asked how to make comments on the blog. Just click on comments and write.

Do you have an idea for a Greencastle Antrim Democratic Club program, speaker or event? Write it here or send an Email.

Obama Campaign is Hiring

Tell your friends -- employed and unemployed -- that the campaign is seeking creative people with experience in design, film/video, writing and editing, organizing, direct response marketing, data analysis, digital advertising, creative planning, developers andweb producers and project managers. apply at:
 http//my.barackobama.com/Work-For-Us

There's Value in Your Attics and Basements

Join in the fun and bring your unused and gently used objects to the GreencastleAntrim Democratic Club Yard Sale. This includes political memorabilia, posters, books, cds, plants, adult clothing, furniture, books, small electronics, etc. The sale will be held on Saturday June 18 (rain date Saturday June 25) at 169 S. Antrim Way in the parking lot of Erie Insurance. We thank the Erie Insurance company and Mikie's for allowing us to use this space. We will be collecting items the week before the sale. The address of the drop off point is 38 N. Linden, off Baltimore Street. To volunteer send an Email to ruthjcommunications@comcast.net. or call and leave a message at 717 685 8005.