Oh man, that's hilarious :D
Posted by KD at October 27, 2005 08:42 PMPessimist, you have an odd talent for going a long way for nothing.
It wouldn't seem that way if your human brain was at work! - p
Posted by Toby Petzold at October 27, 2005 09:09 PMAnother ramification of the GOP's approach to science is that top-notch research scientists are leaving the US at an alarming rate. The US has not only lost its edge, its well on its way to be 2nd rate in many fields.
The offers my wife is recieving from overseas are impressive. She is a well published, climate related researcher and at this point we have 2 or 3 places that we could go immediately and be in a substantially better position.
Posted by Simp at October 27, 2005 10:35 PMSimp says, "Another ramification of the GOP's approach to science is that top-notch research scientists are leaving the US at an alarming rate."
Perhaps you could explain how the GOP is responsible for the 'exodus' you claim is taking place? Perhaps a reference to the numbers you avow are so alarming, as well? I ask, because you seem to contradict your premis by saying, "The offers my wife is recieving from overseas are impressive." Is the GOP not paying enough?
Posted by tadowe at October 28, 2005 03:17 AMOf course we're losing our best scientific minds. They don't like being censored.
To date, more than 6,000 scientists—including 49 Nobel laureates and 154 members of the U.S. National Academies of Science—have signed the UCS statement ["Restoring Scientific Integrity in Policymaking"]. They charge, among other things, that the Bush administration has manipulated scientific advisory committees, altered and suppressed reports by government scientists, and misrepresented scientific knowledge in contentious areas such as global warming, air pollution, and reproductive health.
We used to rely on attracting the best foreign minds (foolishly, rather than cultivating our own), but it's getting kinda hard to attract them when we go off half-cocked invading countries and then stubbornly refusing to rebuild them.
The Board has underscored its concern about the poor performance of U.S. citizens in essential knowledge and skill areas in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, in comparison with other high technology countries...We have relied too heavily on attracting international students and professionals to meet our workforce needs, and, as a result, we need to do a better job of preparing U.S. students for joining the S&E workforce.Posted by raisin at October 28, 2005 04:54 AM
tadowe:
The short answer to your questions is... well.... haaaahaaahahaahahaaa!
Slightly longer answer: I'm steeped in the scientific community. I don't need a report, a study or some flunkie in the msm publishing something to see what slaps us in the face on a nearly daily basis.
But ya know, why take my word for it when you can see for yourself. Go to any university near you and talked to some of the people doing research. Ask them simply how their work has changed over the last 5 years under the Bush administration. Ask them how they feel their compensation packages have done over the last 5 years (my wife, in her current tenure track post has recieved 1 raise of .5%). Ask them how securing research dollars has changed. Ask them what they think the root cause of these issues.
But if you want to read something on the issue a good place to start is to read Chris Mooney's blog or read his book.
Posted by Simp at October 28, 2005 06:03 AM