John Nichols: Scott Walker Bumbles ‘The Search for Truth’

John Nichols

Scott Walker Bumbles ‘The Search for Truth’
John Nichols on February 4, 2015 - 8:02 PM ET



Americans have returned to the question of whether the Republican Party has launched a “war on science”—as 2016 presidential prospects Chris Christie and Rand Paul have abandoned public-health imperatives in order to feed skepticism about whether children should be vaccinated against infectious diseases.

But Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has outdone his potential rivals for the 2016 Republican nomination.

Walker got himself in trouble by launching -- and then abruptly abandoning -- a war on the truth.

Literally.

As part of a broader attempt to diminish the state’s support for, and ties to, the University of Wisconsin System, Walker proposed to strike “Wisconsin Idea” language from state statutes—including references to public service and a commitment to “search for truth.”

The Wisconsin Idea, a unique academic and political commitment in the state, has always been about seeking the truth, and about applying the results of that search not just to curriculum choices but to policies and programs.

More:
http://www.thenation.com/blog/197201/scott-walker-bumbles-search-truth