Hi Terence,
I enjoy it whenever I see a strong argument a bit of a sense of humour combined. I disagree with some others - I think it works well and I don't think it was too subtle at all, and think you could milk some even greater humour out this idea by being even more subtle. In a way your style in parts of the essay reminded me a little of A Modest Proposal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_modest_proposal).
Your point is well taken and an in itself it makes me a little sad. It's in no-one's interests, inluding the corporate world, to allow ourselves to become detached from reality. So I hope we don't go further walking down this path. I think sensible people in religions AND corporations still believe that too, but it only takes a few misguided people to attack and ruin science for everybody. I agree with George in that science must also address its own problems. At the same time, we are so indebted to science for the precious gift of modern health and education that its deeply saddening to see that gift taken for granted because it is some way confronting to listen to.
Thanks for a great essay in any case. I'd love to hear your thoughts on my own entry. It's a little different also in that it conveys serious ideas using elements of science fiction, but I'll hope you'll like it and rate it all the same! I think ratings are closed in the next few days so my fingers are crossed that'll you'll have the time. Good luck!
Ross
