But first, support it. It's simple. There ought to be a Presidential debate devoted to science and technology in the 2008 election cycle. Already, many prominent scientists agree. Here at Shifting Baselines, we have added our name to a list of blogs that also rally behind a political discourse on science and technology. Read more on the call at the Intersection. Then voice your support and spread the word!
p.s. Sorry for the late post. I am in the South Pacific for the next couple weeks collecting data so expect posts at odd hours...
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And I'm also 100% behind the idea of pushing the presidential candidates for a debate on science-related issues. One of the biggest problems, traditionally, for the science world is the inability to control their own agenda within society. Scientists end up doing a poor job with politics, then sit around whining about why won't the politicians listen to us.
Seems like it goes all the way back to the atomic bomb, when society used the scientists to create the weapon, but once it was assembled, the scientists were shoved out of the picture. People like Einstein and Oppenheimer were forced to just sit and wring their hands over the fact that they had no control over what was done with their science.
The only solution to this is for the science world to create its own strong and savvy voice. Pushing for a debate is a good step in that direction.
The only solution to this is for the science world to create its own strong and savvy voice. Pushing for a debate is a good step in that direction.
I agree with Randy. I have been on over a dozen blogs today and everyone is talking about this. Maybe this is the start of something big!
Dave Briggs :~)
LEARN FROM THE FRENCH! A French environmentalist, Nicolas Hulot, developed a non-political "ecological pact" (including a major environmental program) and challenged all of the presidential candidates to sign it and accept to do something real for the environment if they won the election. They did sign, and President Sarkozy started the work only a week after taking office! Now an interdisciplinary team of experts is working to identify priorities and implement the plan. It is the most successful national strategy I have heard of.
To learn more, check this website:
http://www.pacte-ecologique.org/presidentielle/flash/pdf/Ecological-Pac…