Autism is not caused by vaccination.

Autism is not caused by vaccination.

Autism is not caused by vaccination.

Autism is not caused by vaccination.

Autism is not caused by vaccination:

…..a special federal court ruled Thursday that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and vaccines that contained a mercury-based preservative were not connected to the autism that developed in three children.

Can we please–pretty please, with a cherry on top–please, please, please stop looking for a causal connection between vaccination and autism? Please? Because, after decades of intensive research–I could have found hundreds upon hundreds of published studies looking into this question, each demonstrating a lack of connection, or unconvincing connections or correlations–we have the answer: Vaccines do not cause autism.

Given how little money is available for scientific research in general, and research on pediatric health in particular, this is just simply wasteful. Criminally wasteful. The continuing obsession by some parents–absolutely certain in the existence of a non-existent connection between vaccination and autism–is wasting precious time and money. This money could be used to develop therapies for autism, to look for far more promising causal agents or studying other serious illnesses of childhood.

Please. Please. Vaccines don’t cause autism. Can we stop asking now?

On the Washington Post’s election blog, you managed to make an ass of yourself.

Many religious conservatives, including President Bush, oppose the scientific use of embryonic stem cells because the cells often come from aborted fetuses.

(emphasis added)

This is objectively false. Many religious conservatives, including President Bush, oppose the scientific use of embryonic stem cells because they are ignorant fools.

Embryonic stem cells are NOT made from aborted fetuses. Embryonic stem cells are made from leftover embryos from IVF clinics. You know, the unregulated industry focused on bringing yet more children into a world of over six-billion people—a world that can sustain at most about two billion people with the Western lifestyle. Embryonic stem cell research is an alternative to fetal tissue research.

This isn’t an arguable point, like the idea that a clump of a hundred cells could be the moral, spiritual and legal equivalent to an adult human being. This isn’t balanced reporting. This is categorically false.

To help you figure things out, I’ve created and sent a T-shirt to you, c/o of the Post.

While brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or flossing, you can have a helpful hint right on your chest. Your back will help your editors—who allowed this to sit uncorrected for days—figure some things out as well.

Accurately Yours,
Science

Thanks to Tom Robey at Hope-for-Pandora for the catch. Know of any other reporters, politicians or relatives who deserve a t-shirt? E-mail me at dearscience@thestranger.com.