What is it about science, evidence and facts that so many conservatives vehemently oppose? Is it that the facts are just not available or within easy reach? No, we have the interweb. Is it that when presented with the facts, Republicans are too stupid to grasp the obvious? Not all of them. Is it possible that when presented with evidence that may contradict their ideology or world view, conservatives would rather simply choose to ignore reality and believe what puts them at ease? Bingo! Ding ding ding!

Specifically, the ongoing witch hunt against Planned Parenthood. Don’t just take my word, do your own research. Google “what is Planned Parenthood guilty of” and then follow and read the results. Here’s what you’ll find: In July, the Center for Medical Progress began releasing selectively edited videos of Planned Parenthood staff members discussing the health care provider’s fetal tissue donation program. Anti-abortion advocates immediately began accusing Planned Parenthood of profiting off the sale of fetal tissue, which would be illegal. Multiple investigations were launched in Congress and in Indiana, Georgia, South Dakota and Massachusetts. They turned up no evidence that Planned Parenthood was doing anything other than receiving legal reimbursements for the cost of processing the donations.

To conservatives, this is inconvenient to their inflexible dogma so it must be denied. Don’t confuse us with the facts! Unfortunately, a lie told often enough becomes the truth. Example: Bush kept us safe.

I read an absurd right-wing rant (complete with the usual lies, inaccuracies and ignorance) in the Herald, suggesting that liberals pay for Planned Parenthood since apparently only women who vote Democrat would ever use the health care the organization provides. I’m on board. Tax me. But then to be fair, let’s allow the families of the many mass shooting victims to sue the state government in which the tragedy occurred. Through higher taxes, all registered Republicans will pay off the lawsuits for all the victims of gun violence in their state as well all registered Democrats will support Planned Parenthood. Problem solved.

Bill Vana

Durango