Intelligence And Education Is Not Enough To Protect Against Dogma

One of my favorite podcasts is the John Batchelor Show.  It is out of NYC on WABC and is syndicated across the USA.  Mr. Batchelor is one of the most well-read individuals with whom I have come in contact.  His show contains interviews with those from many interesting fields, but especially non-fiction authors. However, there is one area in which he exposes himself as an ideologue.

Mr. Batchelor is a stauch Republican and conservative and only interviews like-minded people when the issue is in any way political.  I recently contacted him and told him I love his show except for the bias regarding politics.  Note:  he never has challenged the Republicans over their anti-science/pro-radical religious social stances.  Essentially he told me that he is "- - - a legacy Republican and you play the hand you are dealt."  He was not willing to really engage me, nor even present as one open for any change of opinion.  He is a graduate of Princeton, but also a graduate of Union Theological Seminary.  Perhaps the latter poisoned him.  Who knows, I only present this story as one example of the many highly intelligent and well-educated people with whom I have come in contact who just will not consider objectively analyzing opinions contrary to their own.  In other words, will not use critical thinking and acceptance of evidence over dogma.
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Here is another example of resistance to evidence, no matter how many times exposed to it:

NC’s HB2 law inspires others to copy it despite tough federal stand, AND published information regarding the science behind sex and gender countering ignorance and dogma.