It was an issue that did not drive polls or voter behavior. It was an issue that did not bring a lot of interest from policy wonks or political pundits. But science is one issue that has significant impact on individual, cultural, and national growth and security. If one takes a long-term strategic view of America, investment, education and training in science will profit America financially.

The Bush administration led a war on science, especially in the areas of stem-cell research and global warming. Even in areas such as the teaching of creationism in schools, the Endangered Species Act, and NASA, there is a profound anti-science attitude exhibited by the current administration. Economic security, as well as national security, result from innovative and competitive scientific and technological leadership.

But now Obama is the President-elect, and I am convinced that there will be a significant change in direction in America’s science policy. In early October, Obama released a letter that clearly states his positions on the Federal government’s role in science. He intends to appoint an individuals to provide advice and establish policy on science and technology. He wants to remove any attempts to “distort or ignore scientific research.” This is a clear first step in rebuilding the country’s scientific position. Early in the campaign for president, he answered several questions posed by scientists, which outlined his point of view. Read More...

Tags: Healthcare policy, Science policy, Obama, Stem cell

Just a brief housekeeping note. Many of the links in this blog will point to an associated Wikipedia article. I, in fact, read and edit those articles, so I won’t make a link to an article that doesn’t make my point. It is supposed to be the epitome of a democratic encyclopedia, one that anyone can edit. It is free to read, and it has become the number one hit for almost any key subject, whether popular or obscure. Other than Obama’s own websites, the Wikipedia article about him is the first google hit. Read More...

Tags: Quality of Wikipedia, Wikipedia, Denialism

What politicians say during their campaign is usually not what they do when they are in office. We are all cynical about their statements, but there are reasons why we should think that his policies might be implemented. First, and most importantly, he will have a presidential honeymoon, where he will have the goodwill of the country, including other politicians. For three to four months, he will have the ability to push through legislation that otherwise might founder in the legislative process. Second, he has a solidly Democratic congress, many of whom have an interest in healthcare policy.
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Tags: Obama, Healthcare policy, Managed care

Yesterday evening, I watched history being made when Barack Hussein Obama II was elected the President of the United States. For me, the historical importance had nothing to do with his race or color, but it had everything to do with a number of critical issues that are of importance to not only the US, but the world.
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Tags: 2008 US Election, Obama