In the GOP war against climate science, the latest tactic is to launch “investigations” of their real enemies: the scientists themselves. It’s a pretty obvious political calculation; since they can’t argue with the scientific facts (not honestly, anyway) they’re trying to discredit the researchers personally.

One of the most aggressive attackers among the GOP politicians hounding scientists like Dr. Michael Mann (who has been totally vindicated in several of these pointless politically motivated investigations already) is Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

Mann responds to the harassment today with an op-ed in the Washington Post, appropriately titled: Get the anti-science bent out of politics.

How can I assure young researchers in climate science that if they make a breakthrough in our understanding about how human activity is altering our climate that they, too, will not be dragged through a show trial at a congressional hearing?

America has led the world in science for decades. It has benefited our culture, our economy and our understanding of the world.

My fellow scientists and I must be ready to stand up to blatant abuse from politicians who seek to mislead and distract the public. They are hurting American science. And their failure to accept the reality of climate change will hurt our children and grandchildren, too.