Attacking scientists is off the mark

To the editor:

Perhaps Alan Journet should have given a second thought to attacking the credibility of the "laughable list of 'scientists' [columnist Walter E.] Williams touts" that includes "folks such as economists, mathematicians and TV weathermen." Economists, mathematicians and TV weathermen aren't scientists?

I would wager that Southeast Missouri State University economist Dr. Bruce Domazlicky (Ph.D. in economics from Wyoming University) considers Dr. Walter E. Williams, economics professor at George Mason University (Ph.D. in economics from UCLA) and himself scientists. The Random House Dictionary does.

How could Journet interpret the ever-changing climate-change computer models without the physics involved? In case of doubt, he should consult Dr. David Probst (Southeast physics chair (Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Tulane University). He seems a credible scientist when introducing his physics department on the Web: "Physics is perhaps the most fundamental of the sciences."

Finally, TV weather forecasters aren't scientists? Brian Alworth surely has more than a little scientific knowledge (master's in atmospheric science from Colorado State University). I would think that even KFVS12 newbie Laura Wibbenmeyer (degree in atmospheric science from the University of Missouri-Columbia) can discuss the science of climate at length.

To attack each individual scientist is one thing, but Journet to attack the credibility of the science of their specialized careers is another. Insulting scientists everywhere, and diminishing his own credibility considerably, should have been reconsidered.

JOHN MITCHELL, Jackson