McCain's answers to Science Debate 2008

So, like two weeks or so after Obama answered Science Debate 2008, McCain has now made public his answers. And they seem to mainly copy Obama's ideas. Nice to see McCain holding himself to such high ethical standards.
Here are McCain's answers.

Here is a side-by-side comparison.

Ask yourself which has the more cognizant science policy.

Obama answers Science Debate 2008

Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama from Illinois has answered the 14 top questions that Science Debate 2008 had posed to both candidates.

The full answers can be seen here.

Now we wait for John McCain to answer the questions.








We'll probably be waiting a long time.

Science Debate 2008

This is going to be a short post.

If you've been watching the primary and national election debates this year, democratic and republican alike, you've noticed we've had discussions on foreign policy, domestic issues, religion (which was a travesty of a debate, by the way, the guy was a hack), the economy, People have even been pressing for a debate on lowering the drinking age. But the one issue that affects all of us has been conspicuously missing.

We have not heard the candidates views on issues in science. Whether its NASA, the NSF, stem cells, cloning, renewable energy, nuclear weapons. I know that the candidates have policy papers and everything on their websites, but they have not spoken to the American people, most of whom who do not have time to look through 100s of pages of policy initiatives, about their views in a debate setting. I for one would like to see Barack Obama and John McCain talk about their views on the pros and cons of stem cell research, whether they would increase funding for NASA, whether they would make science education a priority in their administration since the US stands on the brink of a precipice. We need more scientists and engineers in the workforce. Otherwise, we will be left behind in the 20th century while China, India and the Middle East take leaps and bounds to the 21st Century.

Thankfully, I am not the only one who feels this way. Called Science Debate 2008, World Leaders in the Sciences have banded together in an effort to implore Obama and McCain hold a Science Debate. They have the backing of Nobel Laureates, Industry Executives, Political Leaders and University Faculty across the United States. If you would like to have more information, please visit their website and join the effort: http://www.sciencedebate2008.com

Michael Phelps

Phenomenal performance by Michael Phelps so far. The 4x100 relay was one of the most exciting sports events i've ever seen. I didn't think the US team could do it, but Lezak at the last leg really went all out. He really deserves commendation for doing what many saw as impossible. And yeah. Alain Barnard is probably not feeling so "smashing" right now.

Also i get the feeling that they should have invited Mark Spitz, you know the guy whose record Phelps is trying to break. But then again i don't watch sports that often so what do i know. Oh wait... here's the link".

Yeah, great move guys.

Well that's all for now. I don't know how to embed videos right now so i'll learn and then try to get video of Phelps up in the next day or so.

On the Olympics

So the Olympics have started and while i'm not that big of a sports fan i still enjoy watching them. The opening ceremonies were amazing and not unlike any other I've ever seen. China really has really made many advances in the fields of science and technology and they were on full display that night. The LCD screen in particular was impressive. I also like watching the fireworks which were very innovative, first time i've seen footprint fireworks. (which fyi originated in China in the 12th century). The final torch relay was also impressive when the last person i forget his name was just picked up off the ground by the cables and then he ran around the membrane of the stadium. The Parade of Nations is always interesting, seeing the different clothes that nations wear to signify their culture. The parade would have been better had not NBC had their commentators injecting their own political viewpoints into it but whatever. Anyway that's all for now. I'll post more later.

Hello and Happy Birthday NASA

Hey, welcome to my blog. As the name of the blog implies I am brown and a scientist... well science student, but that's a technicality. I'm only a mad scientist in the lab though. Otherwise I'm very mild-mannered. This blog will serve as whatever it needs to serve as. I might talk about science stuff that happens at school, interesting science news that catches my eye and anything else that comes to mind.

While this will be mainly a science blog, i may also do posts on politics, religion, etc since politics and religion both have had profound effects on science in past years. Anyway in closing i'd like to wish NASA a belated Happy Birthday. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) turned 50 years old yesterday having been established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower who signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act of July 29, 1958 and in its brief history has made many advances in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. Not the least of which was putting Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, Jr. on the moon on July 20, 1969, a mere 11 years after its founding. That day served as "one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for all mankind." NASA has served as an inspiration for anyone who has looked up at the night sky and thought about the billions of stars and planets that are out there and that we have yet to discover.

That's all for now. I'll post more when i feel like it.

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