Musings of a Tech Geek

The modern conservative is engaged in one of man’s oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.

I wish my moderate Republican friends would simply be honest. They all say they’re voting for Romney because of his economic policies (tenuous and ill-formed as they are), and that they disagree with him on gay rights. Fine. Then look me in the eye, speak with a level clear voice, and say, ‘My taxes and take-home pay mean more than your fundamental civil rights, the sanctity of your marriage, your right to visit an ailing spouse in the hospital, your dignity as a citizen of this country, your healthcare, your right to inherit, the mental welfare and emotional well-being of your youth, and your very personhood.’ It’s like voting for George Wallace during the Civil Rights movements, and apologizing for his racism. You’re still complicit. You’re still perpetuating anti-gay legislation and cultural homophobia. You don’t get to walk away clean, because you say you ‘disagree’ with your candidate on these issues.

I’m often asked by colleagues what’s the secret. Many scientists who are superb practitioners of their field claim that they’re no good at explaining science, but I just don’t believe that. I think there’s only one secret. And that is, Don’t talk jargon. Don’t talk as you would to colleagues. Instead, talk as you did to yourself at the time when you yourself didn’t understand. You have to explain to people what’s true in ordinary language, not technical terms. You have to respect the intelligence of your audience, but remember that they haven’t had the advantage of the same technical education that you have.