Starhawk, don't blame the scientists. They are often taken out of context or misquoted. I'm sure there are just as many scientists discovering good things but unfortunately good news doesn't sell. So blame the media.
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This is the 21st century, right? Then where the hell is my flying car?
I still think "scientific experts" are like hannibal lecter. They're strapped up and stored somewhere, and when a disaster happens they get wheeled out, sprout some gibberish and then are locked away again for next time.
It is, unfortunately, not uncommon nowadays for people to interpret the world around them, and make decisions, based more on ideology or personal beliefs rather than on facts derived rigourously. The scientific method is the most useful (and sucessful) application of the human mind to solving the problems of the human condition than any other - such as faith or personal beliefs - will ever be.
Not believing in a problem doesn't make it go away.