Read on Twitter
Continued thoughts from the dregs of our field. https://twitter.com/lovettbr/status/1275526813649944579
A thought experiment from Bergdahl: "If I was "black" ( I am an old "white" man), I would encourage an open intellectual discussion of the flaws of reasoning in some of Linaeaus's methods for defining the numerous races/varieties of Homo sapiens."
He points out "I am not a member of ESA." and concludes: "Let us not forget the best scientific evidence indicates we are all Africans."
In another message, "Just think how many Fellows of a Royal Society (FRES) could be disbarred for racism. sexism and theft of intellectual property of amateurs if all transgressions were hung out in the open. ."
"Leaving their status intact makes them more interesting targets for highlighting significant flaws, despite being Royals. This includes "Linn."" Apparently, it is possible during mental gymnastics to find yourself accidentally arguing for the other side.
Roberts (after extensive, ridiculous hyperbolic quacking): "This petition makes it sound like it has been a hellhole in our field, plagued by racism. Ridiculous hyperbolic quacking."
He asks for "empirical evidence, using objective criteria" that the name is harmful. "What manner of harm does a name existing cause? - particularly one which has been uncontroversial until just now". Read the letter: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342362731_Change_the_name_of_the_Linnaean_Games
Roberts proposes "a counter-petition to the petition. Hopefully reason and rational thinking, and not this nonsensical visceral virtue-signal du jour witch-hunting will prevail." He lists excuses for Linnaeus' "faulty assumptions". Flechtmann and Dossey are ready to sign!
Dora Smith has some opinions to share: "I think this is plain wrong. It's moral nit picking. There is nothing wrong with the name Linnaean!" and "It's the worst form of bigotry, they are firmly convinced their morally superior, and noone can tell them anything!" (So self-aware)
Insights from Stephen Young: "If you insist on immolating titular honors given to racists, you may as well reach for the herostratusphere and begin the campaign against all things, places, and programs named after Darwin." Hero stratusphere is a wild phrase.
Paul Johnson is worried this inclusive slope is slippery: "If this line of revenge discrimination logic is followed then we may as well remove his name from taxonomic attributions of all animals and plants." He may be onto something!
You get the idea. 
If you disagree with these views and envision a more inclusive field of entomology, sign the (original) petition here: https://www.change.org/ESAchangethename
If you disagree with these views and envision a more inclusive field of entomology, sign the (original) petition here: https://www.change.org/ESAchangethename
