Obama on Science

[mabfan]

Like many of you, I have a maelstrom of thoughts swirling through my mind about the results of the presidential election. I'm doing my best to figure out how to put it all into words.

In the meantime, I share with you this webpage from New Scientist: Obama on science, in his own words It's worth reading, especially for those of us who were distraught over how the current administration was treating science.

Folks who have read my blog over the past year may recall that I spent quite some time looking for information on how the candidates would approach the space program. Admittedly, Obama's words aren't as specific as I would like about a manned space program, but they are most hopeful and definitive:

"As president, I will establish a robust and balanced civilian space program. Under my administration, NASA not only will inspire the world with both human and robotic space exploration, but also will again lead in confronting the challenges we face here on Earth, including global climate change, energy independence, and aeronautics research. I believe that a revitalized NASA can help America maintain its innovation edge and contribute to American economic growth.

"I will re-establish the National Aeronautics and Space Council reporting to the president. It will work toward a 21st century vision of space that constantly pushes the envelope on new technologies as it pursues a balanced national portfolio that expands our reach into the heavens and improves life here on Earth."

Comments

[fontosaurus.livejournal.com]

I was a little worried by his earlier statements that he would delay the Constellation program by 5 years to pay for improved education. But I'm beginning to believe that the Constellation package might be the wrong way to go about this, anyway.

[lisafeld.livejournal.com]

Yet another reason to be proud of our president-elect.

[carolf.livejournal.com]

I promise to try to make this my last comment about the primary and its results:

Yeah, I am really happy about Obama's engagement with science and technology. Husband gets C&EN [ aka Chemical and Engineering News] as part of his membership in the American Chemists Association. (his undergraduate degree.) The journal interviewed both presidential candidates at length about their stance on science issues. The difference was blinding, and we done good in our choice.

That said, I add in a soft voice: Let it not be as forgotten as it was unnoticed that Obama's stance on science remained sketchy until Clinton's votes gave her the ability to influence him into adopting some of hers.

Just sayin'

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

Oh, I noticed that. Clinton had a much more specific space program laid out than Obama did.