The Feeling's Mutual

So we all know Cons aren't impressed by science. Looks like scientists return the sentiment:

If you haven't seen it, the Pew Research Center's report on scientists and politics really is fascinating. There's plenty to chew on, but the political views of scientists themselves were of particular interest.

Pew surveyed more than 2,500 scientists, conducted in collaboration with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which offered a pretty strong sample size. The survey found that more than half (55%) of the scientists identified themselves as Democrats, and nearly as many (52%) call themselves liberal. What's more, "Many of the scientists surveyed mentioned in their open-ended comments that they were optimistic about the Obama administration's likely impact on science."

Only 9% of the scientists, meanwhile, consider themselves conservative, while fewer still (6%) identified themselves as Republicans. It's just speculation, but the party's hostility towards the basics of modern biology, global warming, and evidence-based reasoning may have something to do with this. Call it a hunch.

Of course, we know what Cons are going to do with this: every time scientists come up with inconvenient facts, they'll blow it off as "those damned libruls again." It'll never occur to them that scientists might end up as liberal because of reality's own liberal bias.

Seems that although only 32% of the American public thinks evolution is the result of natural processes, they may not be too quick to side with Cons against scientists:

Now, as Republicans continue to proudly flaunt their Anti-Science Syndrome (A.S.S.) suffering Haters of a Livable Economy (H.O.L.E.) credentials, this poll suggests some severe political risks of determined attacks on science and the scientific community on issues like Global Warming.

• "Both scientists and the public overwhelmingly say it is appropriate for scientists to become active in political debates about such issues as nuclear power or stem cell research."
• While scientists self-identify as liberal, most American's don't see scientists as liberal. Thus, engaged experts might view themselves as politically liberal, the general public is likely not to view them in this way.
• Scientists are the third most respected profession (after the military and teachers)

Well, scientists, looks like even though you're a bunch of dirty godless liberals, the public likes you just fine. You don't even have to conform your views to those of the general public to earn their respect, despite what a certain fucktard whose name begins with "Chris" and ends with "Mooney" seems to believe.

That being so, go forth and kick some ignoramus ass.