I spent too much of one day last week reading this article and everything it links to. Charles Murray, one of the authors of The Bell Curve, also has a piece in the August 2005 issue of Statistical Science called “How to Accuse the Other Guy of Lying with Statistics” (part of a special section “celebrating” the 50th anniversary of “How to Lie with Statistics”–it’s a fun issue).
I haven’t read The Bell Curve myself, so I better stop now.
Why stop now?
Consider Murray on Herrnstein.
So, having read some on the topic, what do you think, Professor Gelman? Do the critics of the Bell Curve make reasonable points? Just tell us the truth. That is all we ask of you.
To the extent that you don't want to comment on the debate about the Bell Curve without having read the book (a reasonable position), you could try this more recent article by Murray.
A bold comment, Mr. Kane, but unfortunately addressed to the wrong person.
Whoops! My mistake. My advice to Sam would be to not comment on The Bell Curve or related disputes until tenured. Some topics are too risky for junior academics to address.