On the day before my birthday, something phenomenal happened. Leaders from the US Senate, the House, and scientists, researchers, University Presidents, and corporate CEO’s, along with a few other advisors, held a conference. It was entitled “A Celebration of Science”. (The website has since disappeared. However, it has become an annual celebration- you can find events by search ‘celebration of science’.) This from leaders that have seemingly been denying the need for science in our policies. (What would you call it when climate change and evolution are denied and some believe that a woman’s body exudes something (miracles?) to prevent getting pregnant from a rape?)
Let us not forget how our government truly values science. When research grants are provided- regardless of the results obtained- these are only listed as an expense by OMB, CBO. They are often first on the chopping block, when someone claims they want small government and that means cutting the budget.
This is not some new phenomenon, either. Some of you may not recall Senator William Proxmire (D, Wisconsin). He awarded what he called the “Golden Fleece” awards for scientific endeavors whose titles he did not understand- and whose benefits he could not comprehend. (Arthur C. Clarke and Larry Niven decided to write a few stories mocking Proxmire, as retaliation.)
I could list so many research programs that sound like wasted money- but were truly critical developments. Here are three simple ones.
| “Acoustic trauma in the guinea pig” | |
| Techniques that now let us treat deaf infants | |
| “Optical representation of images without use of lenses or mirrors” | |
| Hansen and Van Heel’s seminal work in fiber optics | |
| “Stanford Integrated Digital Library Project” | |
| Welcome to the Google Search Engine | |
Our prosperity from World War II until recently was a by-product of all our R&D investments. (Yes, I thank you all for providing the funding for the grants that let me earn my advanced degrees. I returned the favor developing a slew of technologies that have made a difference in nephrology, emergency medicine, neurology, water treatment, waste treatment, food technologies, just to name a few.)Unfortunately, this symposium was, at best, a first step. Because, despite its lofty title, the agenda seems to be devoted to the biological/medical arena, with little discussion of physics, engineering, and the like. Yes, food and water are critical issues- but it takes engineering to get the science to be of use for American- and other- populations. And, these scientific issues affect economies- big time.
You’ve seen those ads that Exxon-Mobil (I am not endorsing the company) posts. That we are now 25th in ranking in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in the world. Well, that is related to the pace at which our government now funds research. Yes, we spend money- 10% more over the past dozen years- on R&D (as a function of GDP). Yet, Israel has doubled their research funding level over the same period (and its technological developments prove the result). Taiwan has grown R&D as a function of their economy by 50% and (South) Korea by 60%. Is it surprising to you that Samsung now receives about as many patents yearly as does IBM (which used to be the world leader)?
Oh, wait. All this is termed ‘non-defense’ spending. So, it’s definitely on the chopping block. Think what that really means for our economic future, doesn’t it?
Interesting. And I’m sure some of this R&D COULD have defense related benefits.
Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..WORDLESS WEDNESDAY
That is why I found the entire premise of the meeting disconcerting, Alessa.
Physics and engineering are, indeed, the items of interest to the DOD. Now, that is not among the first considerations I would have for R&D, but given the proclivity of various politicians, I was surprised that only health care was of interest. And, most physics and engineering developments lead to manufacturing jobs, so…
Proof that jobs, jobs, jobs is more a motto than a goal!
It makes me cringe when some of these ignorant idiots in Congress make decisions based on that ignorance. This is one reason why voting is so important.
Roy,
I apologize for being late getting this Liebster Award notice up on your site. Don’t ask – it’s been anything but simple.
Here are the rules: 1) Post 11 facts about yourself, 2) Answer the 11 questions from the blogger who nominated you, 3) come up with 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate, 4) you need to nominate 11 bloggers who have a following under 200 and notify them of their nomination and the rules by posting a comment on each of their blogs.
Now you can snag an award graphic here: http://julianeiman.com/the-liebster-award/. I’m providing several options for the award graphic which I found via Google. There are more if you prefer to find another.
11 questions I have for you – my nominees:
My 11 questions for my nominees:
1. Are you a new entrepreneur or have you been in business for awhile?
2. What is your biggest blogging challenge?
3. What is one goal for your blog?
4. If money were no object, what would you do all day long?
5. Who is your ideal customer/client?
6. What social media sites are you on aside from Facebook?
7. What is stronger for you, your dream or your doubts?
8. What services does your business offer?
9. Do you have a business coach?
10. What makes you happiest about your business?
11. What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
Julia Neiman recently posted..Who is My Competition?
Hmm. Julia:
I should tell you that I have no idea how many followers some bloggers have. That is not among the things that I track. I am more interested in what they have to say than in who else is reading their material. (I, too, have way more than 200 followers- thank you one and all. That’s missing a few digits.)
I will get to this blog later today or tomorrow- but it will be a while before it appears. My blog is populated with a fairly decent backlog of items…
Thanks for the nomination. I appreciate it.
Roy
I can’t write the cuss words I am thinking right now. The government that snoozes, loses. I think Uncle had better wake up.
Ann Mullen recently posted..Stanton Lawson says:
I’m with you on this Ann. I might even be able to “learn you” a few key words…
Great idea.I Have never heard about this before. Sounds like a good community from greatest post!.
candice michelle recently posted..puppy training
Glad you liked the idea, Candice!
Thanks for the visit and the comment!