In it he argues, "The highest investment priority in Washington should be
to double the federal budget for scientific research [within 5 years]."
"[W]hy is it so hard to get Washington to double the budget for federal
scientific research? The answer is not logic but politics. I have found
scientists and investors to be among the least effective lobbyists..."
Al Gore has made speeches along the same lines - words like, "I see the
Gucci loafers of lobbyists on Capitol Hill, but not the white lab coats of
scientists." Let's hope that federal funding for scientific research
becomes a significant topic in the 2000 elections. The economy is strong
enough to carry a higher research commitment - and if the United States
does not stake its claim to technological leadership, the forces of
globalization ensure that some other countries will pick up the ball.
I haven't been on this soapbox for awhile. End of sermon.
Bill
William C. Stevens, Ph.D. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility
Director Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL 62901-4405
618-453-6498 voice
618-453-6408 fax wstevens@siu.edu
http://opie.nmr.siu.edu