November 3, 2008
Groups Urge Next President to Elevate Science
Nearly 180 business, education, and scientific organizations have signed on to a letter urging the next president to appoint a cabinet-rank science adviser by Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009.
In letters sent to both Barack Obama and John McCain the groups urge that “domestic and international challenges such as health care, energy costs, U.S. economic competitiveness, and global climate change will require scientific and technological ingenuity,” according to a press release from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
“It is therefore critical that the next president seek out and rely upon sound scientific and technological advice early and often in the new administration,” the organizations wrote. “It is essential that you be prepared to quickly appoint a science adviser who is a nationally respected leader with the appropriate scientific, management and policy skills necessary for this critically important role.”
The organizations also noted that President Bush did not appoint a scientific adviser, John H. Marburger III, until June 25, 2001. Mr. Marburger, they said, was not confirmed by the U.S. Senate until late in October that year, “after key policies on climate change and stem-cell research already had been announced by the White House.”
Eric Kelderman | Posted on Monday November 3, 2008 | PermalinkComments
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A cabinet-level science adviser? Great idea! Let’s politicize and pervert science even further.
— TRB Nov 3, 01:41 PM #
I agree with #1 — I don’t think you need an official cabinet-level science advisor (and think of the supporting staff!) in order to get good, unbiased, scientific advice. What is required is an open mind and a willingness to listen.
— Doug Nov 3, 03:31 PM #
There are already mechanisms in place through which the President can access top-level scientific advice. The key is to elect Democratic presidents, since the Republicans have declared war on science. Next up on their target list: gravity.
— case hardened Nov 3, 03:41 PM #
For once, I agree with TRB (and the other posters).
— swish Nov 3, 04:02 PM #
http://www.urgethepresident.com
— Urge The President Nov 15, 12:04 AM #