Political Skepticism

Outside of the "War over 'nice'" there is another debate within Skepticism over tone that doesn't get as much attention. Regardless of whether we're nice and polite or cynical and confronting, there exists in Skepticism a hesitancy to tackle politics; Liberal vs Conservative, Libertarian vs Objectivist, Constitutional Originalism vs not... these are issues we rarely see approached as critically as say, homeopathy or vaccination or Creationism.

While attending Dr. Kiki's lecture during this years SkeptiCal there were whispered mumblings about launching more politically oriented Skepticism. While many Skeptical topics venture into politics (Usually court cases like Dover or the occasional bill affording religious institutions special exceptions), pure non-partisan examination of politics as a topic is not only rare, but actively shunned.

When Michael Shermer wrote a column for SkeptiBlog titled "Why I am a Libertarian" the negative response was positively overwhelming. In a similar vein Penn & Teller's Bullsh*t! often draws on their Libertarian leanings for many segments, causing a similar avalanche of negative commentary. Conservatives within the movement are even rarer, (intelligence being a general prerequisite). Sadly most intelligent conservatives have been kicked out the party in favor of further Glenn Beck/Sarah Palin style derp-aciousness.

Which brings me to how Political Skepticism can work. People are already doing it all the time. PolitiFact - especially their Truth-o-meter- is Political Skepticism. Non-partisan examination of statements versus studies, separating the rhetorical chaff from the wheat of policy.

Whether you believe Keynesian economics have a better chance of pulling us out of our recession than Supply-side economics, the facts of how we overcame the Great Depression remain the same.

Over time I've come to meet more people who've shared this view, and all seem refreshed to find a mental ally. Other local Skeptics are sinking their teeth into the idea, launching websites specifically for the discussion of political topics view. The North Bay Skeptics have inquired "Might we have an antiquated Constitution?", hoping to launch a discussion on that weighty topic (If you've an opinion, I urge you to head over and express it; for myself I think the answer is "yes".)

Funnily enough I spoke with Sean Faircloth through Facebook recently, after some comment or other of mine led him to my info page where I list "Evidence Based" as both my Religious and Political views.

Sean is a brilliant public speaker, an ex-legislator from Maine and he currently serves as Executive Director for the Secular Coalition for America. Ever the personable guy, he messaged me to remark humorously over finding another person who shared his political status (His views are listed as "follow the evidence" for both categories. So far as I know, we're the only ones!

But I think we can change that. Economics may not be a science any more than history is, but no one ever said Skepticism had to limit itself to the realm of science - quite the opposite, we're the extension of scientific thinking into decidedly non-scientific realms. If its got facts, we can apply them. If its got arguments, we can critically analyze them.

If there's a political topic you think deserving of a Skeptical eye, by all means let me know in the comments what it is and I'll do my best to provide the coverage it needs.