First, there are people on both sides that haven't a clue. But it is not the case that scientists have been caught "cooking the books." That is a false meme that has no evidence but will not die, repeated ad nauseum in the denial-o-sphere. I think it's up to seven or eight independent reviews now that have combed over tons of documents and turned up nothing.

Second, science has no political bias. Individuals may, but make an unsubstantiated claim in a reputable journal and your cohorts will delight in dissecting your argument. Political types can and do twist what scientists are telling us to suit their own purposes -- and that includes the likes of Limbaugh and Beck. We might not like what science is telling us or what our choices may entail. But that does not diminish the message.