Presidential Debate on Science and Technology?

[Moridin]

http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/

We have noticed that science and technology lie at the center of a very large number of the policy issues facing our nation and the world - issues that profoundly affect our national and economic security as science and technology continue to transform our lives. No matter one's political stripe, these issues pose important pragmatic policy challenges.

We believe these scientific and technological policy challenges can bring out the best in the entrepreneurial American spirit. America can be a leader in finding cures for our worst diseases, inventing the best alternative energy sources, and graduating the most scientifically literate children in the world - or we can concede these economic and humanitarian benefits to other countries.

We believe a debate on these issues would be the ideal opportunity for America and the candidates to explore our national priorities on the issues, and it is hard to imagine any candidate not wishing to be involved in such an occasion.

Please join us and make Science Debate 2008 a reality.

Would you like to see a science/technology Presidential debate? If so, what subjects?

 

[Pelt]

http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/

Would you like to see a science/technology Presidential debate? If so, what subjects?

Based on the summary of topics provided by these guys, it looks like your typical healthcare/energy/environment debate with the added bonus of grinding an axe for certain policy pressure groups.

This smells suspiciously like the whole "politicization of intelligence" farce, just substitute Mary McCarthy with James E. Hansen. We're going to pretend that scientists working in government are these incredibly ethical, upright human beings getting dumped on by crooked overseers with nefarious agendas. In the university, this is equivalent to a faculty bashing its administration, public affairs, trustees, alumni and students to its heart content while whining everytime they get bit back.

 

[ravenprp]

I absolutely support the idea of a Presidential debate focused on science and technology. As the content above states, these issues are crucial to our national and economic security and should be given the attention they deserve in a debate setting.

Some possible subjects for the debate could include:
1. Climate change and environmental policies
2. Investment in scientific research and development
3. Education and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) initiatives
4. Healthcare and biomedical research
5. Cybersecurity and internet privacy
6. Space exploration and NASA funding
7. Artificial intelligence and automation
8. Energy policies and renewable energy sources
9. Genetic engineering and bioethics
10. Telecommunications and internet infrastructure.

These are just a few examples, but there are countless other important topics within the realm of science and technology that could be discussed. It is crucial for our leaders to have a strong understanding of these issues and to have plans for addressing them in order to ensure a prosperous and secure future for our nation. A Presidential debate focused on science and technology would provide a platform for candidates to share their knowledge, ideas, and plans for these critical issues. I strongly urge all candidates to participate in such a debate and for the organizers to make it a reality.