As is my routine, I periocially check the
New Scientist website for the latest in Science. For those who've never heard of New Scientist, it's a weekly print magazine that covers literally every field of science in a very accessible style written by people who actually understand science. (The print version is something I'll subscribe to in a minute if I ever hit the lottery.) The web site is especially good for breaking news.
Apologies if it's already been mentioned here, but this article caught my eye:
Scientists look to place a pro-science president From their
website:
Today a group of scientists and concerned citizens launch a new organization, Scientists and Engineers for America, dedicated to electing public officials who respect evidence and understand the importance of using scientific and engineering advice in making public policy.
(more)
It is painful to look over recent American history and realize how many policy decisions have been made by people whose understanding of science is sadly lacking. It's even more disturbing to see and hear those who actively denounce science for whatever reasons (greed, ignorance, fear, religious dogma, etc.) working to bring a new
Dark Age to the world while seeking to overturn
the Enlightenment.
There is almost no issue before the nation that does not impinge upon science in some fashion. Scientists and Engineers for America is a response to a deliberate effort to render science an 'inconvenient truth'. Again from the SEA
website:
The principal role of the science and technology community is to advance human understanding. But there are times when this is not enough. Scientists and engineers have a right, indeed an obligation, to enter the political debate when the nation's leaders systematically ignore scientific evidence and analysis, put ideological interests ahead of scientific truths, suppress valid scientific evidence and harass and threaten scientists for speaking honestly about their research.
We ask every American who values scientific integrity in decision-making to join us in endorsing a basic Bill of Rights for Scientists and Engineers. Together we will elect new leadership beginning in 2006, and we will continue to work to elect reasonable leadership in federal, state and local elections for years to come.
America needs your help. Will you join us?
Again, apologies if this has been posted already. If so, I missed it. Please recommend this diary so it will stay up long enough for the word to get out. Check out the Bill of Rights for Scientists and Engineers, sign the petition, and join up if you feel so inclined - because this is part of the Good Fight! Check out these news items to see for yourself. The battle lines are already being drawn.