Climate Denial Crock of the Week

Geologist and House candidate Jess Phoenix posted a tweet thread the other day explaining why scientists in congress is a good idea.

One question I hear a lot is “why should we send a scientist to Congress since you don’t know anything about making laws?” Our soundbite century shows its flaws here for 2 reasons. 1) scientists would kick ass at making laws, and 2) I’m much more than “just a scientist.

All scientists are by definition trained in the scientific method. It’s the process of using data gained through observations to remove uncertainties around a hypothesis in an effort to ascertain the truth. In other words, we use facts to understand our world.

In addition, field scientists like me are not white-coated lab dwellers (although I do love lab work & my lab-based friends). My work is done in the most extreme, dangerous conditions on the planet. Literally. Active volcanoes, remote mountains, scorching deserts, etc.

I lead expeditions of people who’ve never even camped before. It’s my job to keep them safe & do good science. Creative problem solving is the key to field research. I’ve fixed a blown tire sidewall with bubblegum, a ball point pen, and duct tape. Other scientists have too.

Scientists are adaptable, creative, and logical. We are trained to look at all available facts to work towards eliminating uncertainties. It’s our job, & it’s the job of a field scientist to find information that will save lives. Sounds like a good skillset for Congress to me.

Now to my 2nd point: my background. My life didn’t start when I went into geology 10 years ago, at the age of 25. Since I started at my first job (minimum wage retail at Best Buy) 18 years ago, I have worked in an array of jobs. Our economy doesn’t allow one career now.

I have been an electronics salesperson, a store manager (shoes, electronics, pet products), a camp counselor, a local newspaper advertising salesperson, a college residence life staffer, a low-level marketer, a veterinary technician, an archival technician, a claims adjuster, a college professor, a horse trainer, an appliance salesperson, a photographer, a writer, a spay & neuter clinic coordinator, & a global business consultant.
I am so much more than “just a scientist.” We need Representatives who have more than one skillset.

These days tons of people are running who are capable of more than just one thing. If you ask me, that makes all of us professionally diverse, creative folks great candidates for Congress. We need curiosity to fight ignorance. We need versatility to fix stagnation.

You can donate to the campaign at link here –

Jess Phoenix on CrowdPac:

I’ve seen the value of stepping up my whole life. Both of my parents were FBI agents for over 20 years. When you have people like that as your role models, loyalty, bravery, and integrity become your way of life.

Until now, my way of serving has been through working to understand our planet and how we can live with it, including the dangerous parts like volcanoes and earthquakes. I give back by helping educate the next generation of scientists: young women and men from all backgrounds who will be the innovators, educators, and conservationists of the future.

I was moved to step out of my work boots and into the race for Congress because people like Donald Trump and Steve Knight are threatening that future by destroying some of the most basic things we all agree are important. Education, scientific research, disaster preparedness, critical infrastructure, national parks, and wildlife are all under assault.

Our economy thrives when we invest in our people and our planet. Trump and Knight both deny the science of climate change, which impacts our economy, health and way of life. Their attacks on immigrant families, women’s rights and health care coverage are offensive and damaging to the most vulnerable people in our society.

Trump and Knight are failing to deal with important issues like cybersecurity, senior care, and disability justice that will only become more important in the years ahead. I’m working to win the job of representing the people I care about and the places I love, because everyone should have a bright today and a brilliant tomorrow.