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