Critical thinking is healthy

I was very gratified to read Shawn Vestal’s Feb. 11 column, which did an outstanding job of explaining how the scientific process is used to assess the risks and benefits of immunizations.

Moreover, the headline refers to science education. It is very important that all citizens understand the basics of how scientific investigations are conducted in an ongoing manner, and how the bulk of the evidence is used as a basis for developing public policies. These concepts are clearly laid out in Vestal’s column.

The United States still stands among the world leaders in scientific inquiry. This is the result of long-term public investment in education and in the funding of scientific research.

It is very discouraging to hear some elected officials suggest that our existing scientific knowledge should be met with general distrust. People always have the right to their own opinions, but the premise of education is that these opinions will be grounded in facts.

In this regard, I particularly applaud those who teach the principles of critical thinking in our schools. These educators are providing their students the opportunity to participate thoughtfully in public discourse and to contribute to future public policy in our rapidly changing world.

Kathryn Meier

Pullman