that's funny, because i'm a scientist and I don't like him at all; to me he seems to use science as a source of authority and power, which is antithetical to the entire philosophy of science.

I'm also a scientist and I find Neil deGrasse Tyson extremely grating. I find something about his snarky/condescending tone to be poor qualities for his role as "science communicator."

Hmmm I have always thought him to be an effective science communicator, I don't see how he's used science as a source of authority and power.

He's also quite accessible, I have randomly ran into him in NYC on a couple of occasions and was always cordial.

Why would you use a cosmologist to inspire black teens to become involved with technology and startups? Are smart black people fungible?

Read the comment before responding. Neil is being held as a "black highly intelligent role model". What is your source of confusion.

Incisive? I can't think of a definition that makes sense in this context.

Use a dictionary. " 2. biting or sarcastic; mordant"

Yea no. If he meant sarcastic he should have used it - "incisive" has extra implications of being perceptive and cutting to the point, which doesn't really fit well in a self descriptor/apology - because I assume he is not disclaiming his intention to actually get to the point, just the potential offense caused by criticizing founders on HN.