October 28, 2010
Make your voice be heard. Vote!
October 28, 2010
I’ll be the first to admit that scientists don’t always make the best advocates. Seems like there might be a couple of reasons for this. First, there is the (at times accurate) generalization that scientists are a little socially awkward. Second, by our nature, most scientists operate on the principal that the facts and evidence will win out. This is how our professional lives are informed, and, until something drastic happens, I think that most of us get complacent and take for granted that everyone else acts this way too. Third, we have this unspoken understanding with non-scientists. We’re kind of like the ugly animals at the zoo. We’re kept isolated (by our own acquiescence). And people only stop by to pay attention to us when we’ve done something interesting. Truth be told, most of us like it this way. It makes life, and work, a little more comfortable. Fourth, most non-scientists don’t speak Klingon. Fifth, and possibly most importantly, general science literacy is woefully inadequate. And, sixth, most non-scientists don’t speak Klingon. Oh, did I mention that already? Sorry
If you are reading this blog, there is a good chance that you are either a scientist or are naturally curious about what is going on in the world of science. And we love you guys for it. I’m writing this post because science has become a reason to vote. Science has become a reason to care. And, although most scientists are exceedingly cautious about this, science has become a cause that we must stand up for.
School boards requiring that students must learn that there are different estimates for the age of the universe, including one that puts it at only 6000 years old… Aspirants to public office openly against evolution and proposing teaching creationism and intelligent design in public schools… The relative ease with which a comprehensive energy bill was scrapped as a mere afterthought… High tech jobs, developed from US-grown technologies, moving overseas because the US doesn’t have the will or foresight to see the technology’s value… These are just a few in the litany of examples where science is cast aside to the detriment of the public’s welfare.
I am writing today to ask you to do two things. First and foremost: Go and vote on Tuesday. It is important that your voice be heard. And it is important that those who represent us truly reflect the values of our country. The only way to get there is for every eligible person to vote. Second, I am asking that you add science as one of your qualifiers when you decide which candidates you vote for.
Vote!
I have read some blog/article comments that state, in effect, that candidate Y’s position on the Big Bang, evolution, and Global Warming are immaterial and they take away from the real issues: jobs/economy/taxes/jobs. I can’t state how much I completely disagree with this point of view. At their most minor, these opinions show a lack of scientific understanding. At their most insidious, these opinions represent a concerted effort to deny reality in favor of ideology. And, in truth, it is impossible to divorce scientific advancement from future prosperity.
The National Academies have published a follow-up to their original report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm. They warn that the US is seriously falling behind in its ability to develop new, high-tech industries. One of the main problems that we face is science education. While our ability to train PhD level scientists is unrivaled, our ability to educate the business-people and policy-makers, who can implement these technologies, is seriously lacking. They also call for continued investment in science. This is a sentiment that is echoed by the Royal Society.
Granted, I would professionally benefit from more investment in science. But, it is imperative that we foster new methods for tangible economic growth. I’m not just talking about hedge funds and legalized gambling. I am talking about real industry that manufacture real products and generate real growth. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has stated:
Governments must continue to invest in future sources of growth, such as education, infrastructure and research. Cutting back public investment in support for innovation may provide short-term fiscal reliev, but will damage the foundations of long-term growth.We must, as a nation, embrace scientific/engineering/technical advancement and all of the costs and benefits that go along with that. What can we do to make sure that happens? Aside from organizing and mobilizing scientists, as happened recently in the UK or challenging a billionaire political backer to a debate, we can vote for candidates who acknowledge the importance of science. Research!America has given us one way to find out where our candidates stand on science. By visiting their Your Candidates Your Health website, you can find out where the candidates in your state and district stand on federal funding for biomedical research. Find out their opinions on science-based initiatives in your home states (California’s Prop 23 is one of these.) And, possibly more importantly, after the election, write to your representatives to let them know how much you value scientific and technological advancement.
This is no time to be passively interested in science.
Make your voice heard.
Vote on Tuesday.
-mrh