October 2007 Archives

The New York Times: In a stinging critique of Bush administration science policy, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York said yesterday that if she were elected president she would require agency directors to show they were protecting science research from “political pressure” and that she would lift federal limits on stem cell research.

The "Gathering Storm" report warns that in an increasingly competitive world, the U.S. may lose its lead in science and technology, in part because U.S. K-12 science and mathematics education is wanting. What would you do to improve K-12 science and math education?

Where do the candidates stand on science education?

While there is no controversy in the scientific community over the basic facts of evolution, advocates of creationism continue to challenge the teaching of evolution in U.S. schools. Do you believe in natural evolution as a fundamental biological process? Would you advocate keeping creationism in its various incarnations, including intelligent design, out of public school classes?

Where do the candidates stand on teaching evolution?

The U.S. currently maintains its arsenal of about 10,000 nuclear weapons through the Stockpile Stewardship program, Given the concerns about nuclear terrorism and the proliferation of nuclearwepaons in other countries, is there an immediately need to change the .S. nuclear arsenal? Should the reliable replacement Warhead, or another smaller, "tactical" nuclear weapon be developed? Under what circumstances would you support the resumption of nuclear testing? Do you support the reduction in size of the U.S. nuclear arsenal?

Where do the candidates stand on nuclear weapons?

As expressed by several recent national studies and reports, there is ongoing concern in the scientific and industrial communities that the U.S. is losing its world leadership in science. Do you support a significant boost in federal funding for basic research across the sciences, and how would you pay for such an increase? In an era of tight budgets and man y worthy programs, what priority would you give science education and research?

Where do the candidates stand on science investment?

More than two decades of proposals have not resulted in a comprehensive U.S. energy policy. what incentives or controls would you advocate to improve energy efficiency and conservation? Looking 10 years into the future, what should the U.S. energy mix be, and what role should nuclear energy play?

Where do the candidates stand on energy policy?

Virtually all reputable research supports the conclusion that global warming is a growing crisis caused, at least in part, by the burning of fossil fuels. Would you propose mechanisms to control and reduce carbon emissions through a carbon tax, a "cap and trade: system, or some other regulatory program? Would you favor a moratorium on coal-fired power plants that do not capture and sequester CO2? Should a U.S. program to limit CO2 emissions depend on what other countries do?

Where do the candidates stand on climate change?

The New York Times: Senator Barack Obama will propose on Tuesday setting a goal of eliminating all nuclear weapons in the world, saying the United States should greatly reduce its stockpiles to lower the threat of nuclear terrorism, aides say.