Ed.

"Granted that belief provides motivation for scientists, but science itself is thought, not belief."

What's the difference between what you think (thought) and what you believe?

Ed says: Belief and data are 2 different things.

I see Ed, so if the American Tobacco Industry says they have data to support that cigerettes are non-carcinogenic we should "believe" this data right? Face it Ed, many corparations can "buy" scientific data to lean in any direction they have the cash for. Dr. Levin has hard data for microbial life on Mars -- yet many oppose it to the point of not even wanting to examine it to any degree. Remember the tale Of Antony Leuwenhoeck? That same scenario is very much how science operates today. Majority still rules.

Ed says: Once again, the physical properties of water are well known.

Yes Ed, the triple point of water is exceeded in many areas on Mars for extended periods. That is the law of physics for Earth and Mars.

BD