Tuesday, January 17, 2012

RCP State of the Science

Interesting paper with some interesting data intermingled with unclear thoughts.

Like this one:
Third, our need for energy independence at home has never been greater.
http://www.realclearscience.com/articles/2012/01/16/state_of_science_in_america_106261.html

They must have missed the memo that we indeed can have that if desired, but apparently, not enough politicians want that to allow for it to happen.

This one is unquestionably true:
Fourth, we must renew our focus on educating the youngest members of American society. A 2009 survey found that only 59 percent of adults knew that early humans did not co-exist with dinosaurs. While humorous, perhaps, it underscores the serious problems associated with a scientifically illiterate population.
Science literacy is much more than simply knowing trivial tidbits of information. It means being able to ask the right questions to find the best answers for the everyday problems and curiosities of life. It means being able to understand and scrutinize significant scientific studies. Most importantly, scientific literacy means being able to comprehend and make educated decisions about important science issues. We must not allow ourselves to be manipulated by ill-informed politicians and fringe activists who would otherwise hold back or misdirect technological progress on everything from genetic modification and pharmaceuticals to embryonic stem cells and vaccines.
However, with the conflict of interest inherent in political control of science research spending, there is also a massive conflict of interest in having a population that understands either science or economics.

This one is hopeful but quaint:
Finally, we must recognize that science is a means to bridge the great divide that exists between the developed world and the developing one.
Without liberty and property rights, science won't do the developing world any more good than it already has.

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