I was bemused by Jeff Christiansen’s letter (Aug. 2). He implied only flat-Earth, right-wing conspiracy theorists ignore scientific, evidence-based conclusions. Only leftist liberals understand that momentous social decisions should be made based on scientific facts.

Except, wait a minute here. Many whacko leftist causes don’t stand up to ideology-neutral scientific scrutiny, such as BPA, phthalates, hydro-fracking and nuclear power, among many others. Because of space constraints, I’ll use one as an avatar for the others, namely genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The liberal left and its mainstream media cronies would have the public believe GMOs are deadly threats to the very existence of life on earth. Except the science says none of their hysterical claims are true.

An online entity, “Science Trumps Ideology,” offers just one example among many: A team of Italian scientists cataloged and analyzed 1,783 studies (a staggering number) about the safety and environmental impacts of GMO foods.

The researchers couldn’t find a single credible example demonstrating that modified foods pose any harm to humans or animals. “The scientific research has not detected any significant hazards directly connected with the use of genetically engineered crops,” the scientists concluded.

How can this be when ignoring science in favor of fear-ridden anecdotal evidence only exists among the right-wing conservatives?

Ah, yes, of course — junk science — all part of a vast global conspiracy driven by Monsanto et al. Sound familiar?

The liberal left’s definition of science? Whatever supports its causes. If it doesn’t support its causes? Junk science.

Andrew Hall, Lewiston