On the point that "Taubes' rhetorical tactics can be used for much more dangerous ends".

"Just imagine: 'It's doctors and pharmaceutical companies that caused your cancer in the first place. That chemotherapy and radiation therapy stuff they're pushing on you is obviously harmful. Don't you now there are all-natural ways you can cure your cancer?'"

Are you criticizing Taubes method on the fact that it could be theoretically used for more evil purposes? I think that is like criticizing dynamite or nuclear power because it can be used in warfare.

If Taubes is mostly right about what he says (I think he is ) then isn't bending the reality a little bit okay to reach a greater audience? Isn't this what utilitarianism is about? Maybe the end justifies the means.