The above is the title of an OP-ED in the WSJ, 2/15/17 by Homan Jenkins, Jr.
In the late 90’s Europe decided to convert passenger cars to diesel, after Kyoto. The result, as estimated .004 reduction in temperature, (how can you estimate to that specificity boggles my mind-my comment) and noticeably dirty air due to soot and nitrogen oxide. How did that happen?
Scientists all agreed that this was the right thing to do. I guess they all got in a hot tub and bought into group think. But wait, scientists rely on data correct? They invite opposing opinions and do their best to remain objective, correct? They encourage multiple tests measuring results and comparing to their assumptions, correct?
Well a funny thing happened on the way to consensus. Opinions got in the way and objectivity was lost. Big government got involved throwing money around and those who objected were called names, careers ruined and the news media heaped more on the pile.
So, what has VW done in the aftermath of dieselgate? First it will cost them $25 billion. So, they have, “..adopted a set of faddish promises to invest in electric cars, ride-sharing and the new’mobility economy.’ All this was cover for the real agenda–a big pay hike and fresh promises for job security for union workers. It currently takes VW twice the man hours to build a car than Toyota.”
How many more examples do we need to recognize, “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” R Reagan. Bill Clinton disagreed, but the evidence and data tells a different story. Oh wait, evidence and data matter not, group think does!