More I.Q. Debate

Well the predictable thought police reaction to the current (slightly open) debate about genes, race and intelligence is in full swing. Typical ploys to intimidate the advocates of any scientifically defined linkage include the usual nit-picking about details that can't possibly be satisfied at this early stage of this long-stifled field of study; the researchers have barley been able to define the parameters (including specific genes) that may be important to study or to form a coherent model, or theory, that can be proved or disproved . The reason for the nit-picking is, of course, that this subject is "too sensitive" to study. As the Times says, the fear is of "The risk of giving ammunition to racists or undercutting principles of equality". In other words, the answer must be predetermined and it must be "positive" (i.e., politically correct) before the question is allowed to be asked.

Very quickly, the poor guy who wrote an article for Slate (a liberal web site) that came to at least preliminary "wrong" conclusions was forced to write a follow-up article entitled “Regrets,” because one of the researchers whose results he relied on had a segregationist remote connection. Of course, by that logic no liberal can ever be trusted to do this kind of research, since he will be sure to reach the politically correct conclusions.

The truth, whatever it is, cannot be hidden forever; if the thought police prevent open, freewheeling, research and discussion, then the more nefarious participants with perhaps more harmful agendas will have the field all to themselves.