Obama promises new era of scientific innovation (New Scientist)

[Dogmudgeon]

An article that aroused hope ... yep, that's what it was ... in my cynical breast.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn15130-obama-promises-new-era-of-scientific-innovation.html?DCMP=ILC-tabViewArt&nsref=dn15130">Obama promises new era of scientific innovation (New Scientist, 5 Nov 2008)
...

In September, Obama unveiled a comprehensive Science and Technology Policy.

In it he promised to lead a new era of scientific innovation in America and to restore integrity to US science policy. This would be achieved by doubling the federal investment in basic research and by addressing the "grand challenges" of the 21st century, he said. The rhetoric gained him the public endorsement of 61 Nobel laureates.

Obama lacks a science background, though, and over the past 50 years it has been Republican, rather than Democratic administrations, that have tended to spend more on science. Whether Obama and his team can buck this trend in the current dire financial situation remains to be seen.

...

Although he consulted a range of Nobel prize winners during his presidential campaign, it is also crucial that Obama chooses his presidential scientific adviser early in his term, Joanne Carney of the American Association for the Advancement of Science told New Scientist in September.

"Having the science adviser in place early is going to be critical," Carney said. "It means that an individual can play a role in placing other key scientists throughout the federal agencies."

...

There are also some superb and well-deserved backhands given to George W. Bush.

--p!

[BrklynLiberal]

1. YES!!! We will be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century..

[amdezurik]

5. normally have to pay extra for that...

:rofl:

[Juche]

2. Great

No other word for it if he wants to fight the massive challenges the US and world faces (chronic illness, pollution, natural resource crunch, energy crunch, sustainability, etc). And Obama may not be a scientist but he was top of his class at harvard law so he is very bright. Has the US ever had a scientist as president? It seems to always be lawyers, businessmen and generals.

[muriel_volestrangler]

9. Jimmy Carter was an engineer in the Navy

including working on a nuclear power plant in the 50s: http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq60-14.htm

[babylonsister]

3. Thank you, and rec'd for possibilities. nt

[Kazak]

4. Yay, this is exciting!

[amyrose2712]

6. Finally. K&R'ed

[TZ]

7. Makes me hopeful.

Someone who REALLY appreciates science!

[DeepModem Mom]

8. K&R