Review of The Michael Shermer Show - Finally had to speak up.

Finally had to speak up.

☆

“’ve been a Michael Shermer fan for years, a Skeptic subscriber, and more recently a podcast listener. But…these past couple of years I’ve noticed him *not* challenging unsubstantiated statements made by guests, most notably those leaning conservative. I thought, maybe he’s just being polite. Not exactly demonstrating critical thinking, but it’s his podcast, maybe that isn’t the point? Now, though, I hear him parodying things said by the *far left* noisemakers and presenting them as if they represent the core beliefs of *all* liberals. That’s not cool. (Presenting far right noisemakers as representing all conservatives: equally not cool.) This is *not* the critical thinking approach to “news” in the media that drew me to the Skeptics world in the first place. But *I* still subscribe to critical thinking, which means listening to both sides, so I’ve continued to listen to Shermer’s guests. I rarely agree with everything they say - sometimes with nothing they say - but you can’t evaluate what you don’t hear. Today, though, Shermer made one more misleading, bordering on non-factual statement, and I just couldn’t stay quiet any more. It wasn’t a terribly important fact, just the proverbial straw. He said, “In California here, we have to have all electric cars by 2030. No more gas-powered cars. If you want to drive an old muscle car like a Camaro or a Mustang with the big (makes rumble noise), you have to go to a track.” Well, I’ve heard exactly this point being made on Fox “News”. Is that where you’re getting your “facts” now, Shermer? Because the *actual* facts - because Facts Matter - are these: 1) Beginning in 2035 (not 2030), no more **new** gas-powered cars can be sold in California. 2) You can still drive your muscle car as you always have, on public roads. 3) You can even *buy* a used muscle car, and drive it on public roads. Just not a *new* one. 4) If your vehicle doesn’t pass its smog test, then you can’t drive it on public roads…but that’s true *now* and has nothing to do with the switch to electric cars. That’s been the law for decades. But Shermer’s comment presented a very different message, one that seemed deliberately deceptive. Not necessarily by Shermer, but definitely by whatever media he got that message from. (Mr. Shermer, if this statement was entirely yours, then shame on you.) There have been many other such mis-statements that rang familiar from Fox messages, but this is one where I had reason to *know* the truth. I am very saddened today to have my perception that Shermer is no longer practicing critical thinking and objective evaluation proven true. My heart is broken.”

nevertoolate2018 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/28/23

More reviews of The Michael Shermer Show

See all »

Interesting interviews

☆

“Schermer is no stranger to podcasting (e.g. Joe Rogan Experience). || Strange that (a) his audio is so bad and (b), Youtube have HD movies running at similar (and smaller) file sizes. || Maybe Schermer is impressed by size?”

Maltese96 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 03/01/19

Tell Me What To Think!

☆

“Loved the inner fish person. Quickly wondered why he is hell bent on categorizing people who are “religious.” He fails to allow the fact that everyone with a brain has the ability to form thoughts. Neil, if you could, please help me understand why you were “born Again.” That is the thing I...”Read full review »

AuntieMerry via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/26/20

Thank you so much

☆

“Your podcast episodes are so incredibly insightful! Thank you for making these discussions available to the public and helping maintain liberal science.”

BingleBlingle via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/08/21

Do you host a podcast?

Track your ranks and reviews from Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.