WRONG

Josiah Whitney was chief of the CA Geological Survey from 1860 - 1874. Whitney maintained that Yosemite Valley was created by a cataclysmic sinking of the valley floor. John Muir maintained that the valley was carved by glacial action. Whitney derided Muir as an “ignoramus” and a “mere sheepherder.” Whitney's survey reports suppressed evidence of glaciers, and he never abandoned his viewpoint despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Whitney was more than stubborn and wrong, he was vindictive and a slanderer.

What we witnessed tonight was a similar refutation of an earlier mistaken view. As was Whitney, how could so many be so obviously wrong for so long? Easy. They were at half traction until two years ago. The nursery types, the far left, were never before held accountable, their dogma never closely examined. Suddenly it gained footage. Next were the repercussions. This is what gagged most Americans, exposing the lie.

Muir first, then most other grounded observers saw the fraud of Whitney’s argument. But to admit to a failed career? Whitney could not summon the courage. Nor can our lefty friends. Instead, as did Whitney they strike out.

Too bad. They will remain for years to come only outliers, ignored, bitter and forgotten.

Robert Craven