Nov 8, 2024
This is sort of a rush episode, in the wake of this week's election results. While we don't like mixing our skepticism with partisan politics, Trump has been such a unique outlier in the realm of science denial, conspiracy theories, folklore, panics and rumor-mongering that it warrants an episode. Early indications that Robert Kennedy Jr. might be in charge of public health could mean an unthinkable turn against vaccinations and other clearly proven, routine measures. Ben and Celestia give their immediate thoughts and reactions, and Ben reminds us that Trump is more a hollow man than a boogeyman -- while he has no moral center and is deftly unpredictable, he simply does not have the power to truly end life as we know it. We then lay out a few tips on the grassroots-level skeptical activism we will need in the coming months and years. Starting with, I can't believe I'm typing this, educating people on the fact that the fluoride in our water is not a dangerous toxin.