Monday, September 29, 2008

Obama Sets Record for Nobel endorsements

A record 61 nobel Laureates endorse Barack Obama. I don't understand it. I just don't understand it. McCain has run such an intellectually elevated campaign, chosen the most academically accomplished vice presidential candidate he could, and yet the cream of the cream of the scientific world sides with Obama. Of course, there's that little problem with the Bush administration's unprecedented interference and distortion of science, and McCain's likelihood of continuing the same policies:

"This year's presidential election is among the most significant in our nation's history. The country urgently needs a visionary leader who can ensure the future of our traditional strengths in science and technology and who can harness those strengths to address many of our greatest problems: energy, disease, climate change, security, and economic competitiveness.

We are convinced that Senator Barack Obama is such a leader, and we urge you to join us in supporting him.

During the administration of George W. Bush, vital parts of our country's scientific enterprise have been damaged by stagnant or declining federal support. The government's scientific advisory process has been distorted by political considerations. As a result, our once dominant position in the scientific world has been shaken and our prosperity has been placed at risk. We have lost time critical for the development of new ways to provide energy, treat disease, reverse climate change, strengthen our security, and improve our economy.

We have watched Senator Obama's approach to these issues with admiration. We especially applaud his emphasis during the campaign on the power of science and technology to enhance our nation's
competitiveness. In particular, we support the measures he plans to take – through new initiatives in education and training, expanded research funding, an unbiased process for obtaining scientific advice, and an appropriate balance of basic and applied research – to meet the nation's and the world's most urgent needs.

Senator Obama understands that Presidential leadership and federal investments in science and technology are crucial elements in successful governance of the world's leading country. We hope you will join us as we work together to ensure his election in November."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

McCain has one of the authors of Dow 36000 on his economics team. That should tell us about his willingness to bring on the best and the brightest in the way of experts.