Holsinger says he would resign before muzzling science

This New York Times piece provides a summary of the stance of Dr. James Holsinger regarding his views on a number of issues.

I thought his responses to the criticisms of his 1991 paper were reasonable and, as a professor, understandable. Most of us writes tons of stuff for various audiences and I certainly do not agree with some things I wrote 16 years ago. As an academic matter, I would wonder how his views have changed and why. Those who oppose him might want to know that to since I doubt they have much trust. Those who were inclined to favor him may now feel he has vacillated.

Note his top priorities:

…tackling childhood obesity, “making America a tobacco-free nation” and improving the ability of the Public Health Service to respond to emergencies.

All three are admirable but the second is, I suspect, a pipe dream…