Society must learn to understand the scientific process

To the Editor,

I just finished reading the editorial entitled, “Time-tested truth and understanding” and I wanted to say just how much I appreciated that piece. It really spoke to me!
Like the expression “Hitting the nail on the head…”, you couldn't have been more right on, if you focused it with lasers and digital accuracy. Very well written.
The only point I might take issue with is whether it is really the scientist's role to address this crisis of understanding. The scientist's job is to search for the truth, test their hypotheses over and over again to verify their findings and present the proof of what they have uncovered.
It's up to the rest of society to understand the rigorous process by which this knowledge was attained and then search for and educate ourselves of these findings. As a society, we also have to become better at identifying those who would seek to twist the trust for their own gain. Shouting over and over again “Fake news” without offering any proof of their alternative facts has become very fashionable in recent years.
We have to rely on trained journalists who know how to properly, fully and accurately research the facts setting aside any bias, and present them in a convincing and clear way. This modern era of information at one's fingertips matched up with the tools that allow almost anyone to publish and present their version of the truth in very convincing and often spectacular and sensational fashion is the real challenge our society has to come to terms with, and it's where journalists like yourself need to help cut through the noise.
Thank you and your team for all the great work this past year. I have a feeling that 2022 will be an amazing year to be a reporter and journalist and I look forward to following it as it unfolds.
Have a safe and refreshing holiday and all the best for the new year.
Best regards,

Pat Stallaert,
Steenburg Lake