Donald Mates is a very nice old man . He was a marine injured by a grenade when cleaning out a fox hole. He was brave and he enlisted in the marines when only 17. He is admirable and served his country honorably. After serving, he lived in the midwest and worked at a bank. He is a regular on Fox News for his part in this patriotic picture of strength and is tickled to death when asked to be on their show.

This pose has been used to show strength in tackling something threatening. It takes nothing away from the greatness of our country and WW2. I have seen this pose used with fire fighters after 9-11, sports teams and other times for symbolism.

Donald Mates is not a scientist and he does not own this pose. This cover photo was symbolism used to show efforts for a different kind of threat and that is to our water supply and the health of our earth which impacts human health and lives.

Most people who understand science recognize the negative effects of polluting our air and water supplies. I respect those who have not read, studied or believe in the negative effects of polluting our earth. It is complex and a great deal of science. It is much easier to make a rash judgement and have fun jokes about it. The deniers are similar to those who did not understand the effects of tobacco, transfats or adding carcinogens to water and food supplies.

Donald Mates has a right to his opinion and from the times I have seen him on Hannity he seems like a nice old guy. He does not own the pose or the rights to it. Fortunately the worlds leading scientists and leaders do want to find solutions to polluting our earth and this was just simply a symbol of those efforts. It takes nothing away from from the honor, bravery and fortitude of those who served in WW2.

I imagine Fox will have him on quite a bit in the next few weeks and use his opinion as though he actually understands science .

It might be more meaningful if they could find a scientist who is reputable and with no conflict of interest to discuss a peer reviewed study as opposed to Donald Mates when discussing science.

I honor Donald Mates for his bravery and all those who served and died in WW2. I have many relatives who served and my uncle died somewhere over Italy after being shot down in his plane.

I would not go to Donald Mates for medical, scientific or legal advice. I honor him for what he did and what he represents and not for opinions to all the worlds problems which IMO are terrorism, nuclear proliferation and our enviornment. I believe we are talented and strong enough to tackle all of these threats without alarmism , but looking for solutions. This cover was simply symbolic of the efforts of finding a solution to one of the problems facing modern society.