Both Daniel and the skeptical Carroll are correct. It takes the exposure of a big lie to turn people around. Even then, it is far from assured. Cognitive dissonance is a very powerful force.
A astronomer friend was telling me of his conversations with some Repug. scientists on campus, asking how they could square their politics with the push for creationism. Being non-religious they were unfazed. The conjuncture today is unique, but it will pass unless someone can come up with a convincing alternative. Today, the mild Henry Waxman might be the most critical voice on the Democratic side. Even he has yet to take any positions that require courage on his part. From: PEN-L list [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Daniel Davies you possibly underestimate how many previously fundamentally right-wing people had their minds completely blown by such an obvious example of government dishonesty and turned into reliable and highly competent left-wing cadres. I am certainly aware of at least two such who have completely changed their minds and their politics as a result of the fibs told by the UK govt over the Iraq war. Michael Perelman
