Are Bush's slime mold beetles named after political figures?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the naming of newly discovered species of slime-mold beetles after political figures, specifically President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Participants explore the implications and motivations behind such naming conventions, questioning the appropriateness of honoring political figures in this manner.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the rationale for naming beetles after political figures, questioning what such an honor signifies.
  • There is a suggestion that naming a bug after a political figure might not be the most respectful form of recognition, with some participants proposing alternative forms of acknowledgment.
  • One participant mentions a similar instance where a bug was named after cartoonist Gary Larson, indicating that naming insects after people is not unprecedented.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the intent behind the naming, with one questioning whether the beetles would be "Republican" and another stating that Bush does not deserve such an honor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express disagreement regarding the appropriateness of naming beetles after political figures, with no consensus on whether it is a fitting tribute.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not delve into the scientific significance of the beetles or the criteria for naming species, leaving these aspects unexplored.

Phobos
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just had to share this...

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/04/14/bush.beetle.ap/index.html

Entomologists Quentin Wheeler and Kelly B. Miller, who recently had the task of naming 65 newly discovered species of slime-mold beetles, named three species after the president, vice president and defense secretary.
The monikers: Agathidium bushi Miller and Wheeler, Agathidium cheneyi Miller and Wheeler, and Agathidium rumsfeldi Miller and Wheeler.

Ironically, they did it to honor the Pres. et al.
I wonder if the beetles are Republican.
 
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:smile:If they aren't then I hope they aren't offended!:smile:

An entomologist is someone who studies bugs right? :bugeye:

Why would you want to honour the President by naming a bug after him? I wonder what he thinks about it. :rolleyes:
 
Gary Larson, author of the Far Side, had a bug named after him. I read it in one of his books
 
misskitty said:
Why would you want to honour the President by naming a bug after him? I wonder what he thinks about it. :rolleyes:
Bush doesn't even deserve to be named after a bug.
 
If they were doing it to seriously "honor" him and like Bush... man... how bout a plaque or a letter of thanks or ... something not a bug :D
 

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