The Wall Street Journal has an article by David Baltimore and Ahmen Zewail about the Science Debate that didn't happen today at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia:
All three candidates declined. Apparently the top contenders for our nation's highest elective office have better things to do than explain to the public their views on securing America's future.
The piece lays out what we--America--must do to re-energize our commitment to being the world's leader in science and technology:
We need a president who moves science back into the White House. Today we do not have a presidential science adviser and there is no office of science in the White House. Our government needs to treat science honestly. When the world's scientists flag global warming as a threat to our way of life, it is a warning that should be taken seriously. Stewardship of the planet is our responsibility. No one else is going to do it for us. We need to fund ACI and double the National Science Foundation's budget for basic research. The government should fund science at a level that will ensure that the U.S. stays in a leadership position in areas like biotechnology, military preparedness, electronics and communication. We need to pay special attention to health research. We also need to encourage young people to become educated about scientific issues, regardless of whether they become scientists.
Veritas. It is my hope that the candidates display the courage to discuss how they plan to face the greatest challenges to our nation so that on November 4, 2008, when our votes become our voice, we can make the most well-informed decision. More on the article from Time and The New Republic...
