Thom Hartmann
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| − | Hartmann dabbles in [[pseudoscience]] with his enthusiasm for the [[Gaia hypothesis]], and his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_vs._farmer_theory Hunter vs. Farmer hypothesis] on the origins of ADD/ADHD, which argues that the conditions may be "leftovers" from early human history, had little scientific credibility at the time of its proposal. A study from the University of California at Irvine appears to support it,<ref>http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/01/020109074512.htm</ref> although Hartmann is not connected with this study and he | + | Hartmann dabbles in [[pseudoscience]] with his enthusiasm for the [[Gaia hypothesis]], and his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_vs._farmer_theory Hunter vs. Farmer hypothesis] on the origins of ADD/ADHD, which argues that the conditions may be "leftovers" from early human history, had little scientific credibility at the time of its proposal. A study from the University of California at Irvine appears to support it,<ref>http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/01/020109074512.htm</ref> although Hartmann is not connected with this study and he proposed the hypothesis a long time before the study's results were published. This raises the possibility that he might have plucked the theory [[bullshit|out of his ass]] and [[Anecdotal evidence|gotten lucky later]]. |
He has also revealed himself as a bit of a [[New Age]] [[crank]], writing books such as ''The Prophet's Way'' (which [[Pseudoscience|"melds recent discoveries in science with ancient metaphysical truths"]])<ref>http://www.thomhartmann.com/2007/11/03/the-prophets-way/</ref>. | He has also revealed himself as a bit of a [[New Age]] [[crank]], writing books such as ''The Prophet's Way'' (which [[Pseudoscience|"melds recent discoveries in science with ancient metaphysical truths"]])<ref>http://www.thomhartmann.com/2007/11/03/the-prophets-way/</ref>. | ||
Revision as of 04:41, 5 August 2009
Thom Hartmann is an American liberal talk radio host and author, who was formerly a psychotherapist and an entrepreneur. His radio show, The Thom Hartmann Program, is nationally syndicated, with between 1.5 million to 3 million daily listeners.
Contents |
Radio style
Unlike most others on the radio, Thom Hartmann uses a cerebral approach, backing up what he says with real knowledge about the topics at hand. He also hosts guests who disagree with him[1] and doesn't shout them down, preferring instead to engage them in a proper debate and answer questions from callers afterwards. He also engages callers who disagree with him in a similar fashion, and has a set policy of not letting people denigrate arguments put forth by guests or callers without allowing them the opportunity to reply.
Despite his mild-mannered style, he has demonstrated a sharp intellect, which combined with the above-mentioned real knowledge allows him to demolish with ease the arguments of people who only pretend to know about said issues (e.g., Rush Limbaugh).
According to Talkers Magazine, his is the tenth most important talk radio show in America, and he is the most important progressive radio host.[2]
He is a big promoter of protective tariffs and high marginal tax rates.
Controversial positions
Hartmann dabbles in pseudoscience with his enthusiasm for the Gaia hypothesis, and his Hunter vs. Farmer hypothesis on the origins of ADD/ADHD, which argues that the conditions may be "leftovers" from early human history, had little scientific credibility at the time of its proposal. A study from the University of California at Irvine appears to support it,[3] although Hartmann is not connected with this study and he proposed the hypothesis a long time before the study's results were published. This raises the possibility that he might have plucked the theory out of his ass and gotten lucky later.
He has also revealed himself as a bit of a New Age crank, writing books such as The Prophet's Way (which "melds recent discoveries in science with ancient metaphysical truths")[4].
Very little of this weirdness finds its way into his radio show, however, which is much more focused on current politics.
Bibliography
- Screwed
- Walking Your Blues Away
- Ultimate Sacrifice
- We The People
- What Would Jefferson Do?
- Unequal Protection
- Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight
- The Edison Gene
- ADHD Secrets of Success
- The Prophet's Way
- Healing ADD
- Greatest Spiritual Secret
- Complete Guide to ADHD
- A Different Perception
- ADD Success Stories
- Beyond ADD
- Focus Your Energy
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Including many hard-core, well-known right-wingers.
- ↑ http://talkers.com/online/?p=267
- ↑ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/01/020109074512.htm
- ↑ http://www.thomhartmann.com/2007/11/03/the-prophets-way/