Cleveland Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge has been named vice-chair of the House Science Committee's Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, which oversees all programs at the National Science Foundation and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The subcommitee handles issues related to basic research, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, science policy and U.S. academic research, Fudge's office said.
"We have a very unique opportunity to elevate science once again," Fudge said in a press statement. "We have a White House and a Congress committed to affording scientists a platform to develop new innovation and technology for a more sustainable world. I am ready to work diligently for the residents of Ohio." (PD)
First, I am of the opinion Fudge is not even fit to be in the House. Second, I would have to ask what the hell kind of knowledge or expertise does Fudge have in this field. I would say most likely little - if any at all.
I believe Fudge, like many others, show their lack of knowledge in feeling that it is scientists who are the innovative minds behind new technology. Scientists may tell us the who, where, why and what about things - but it is engineers that make their ideas work. And many times long before scientists have it figured out...
Most people who aren't scientists or engineers seem to think that science and engineering are the same. They're not. Science seeks to understand the world as it is; only engineering can change it.
That's not what most high school teachers or even college professors tell their science students. But the truth is that full scientific understanding isn't always necessary for technological advancement. Take steam engines: They were pumping water out of mines long before a science of thermodynamics was developed to explain how they worked. The engines were what prompted researchers to look into the nature of steam power in the first place. More...
In fairness, the world needs both scientists and engineers. However, neither has much influence in the decisions that society makes. For example, global climate change is established and the science establishment is fairly united in the belief that action must be taken today to prevent major disasters in the future. But is action being taken?
ReplyDeleteHopefully the new administration will pay more attention to the advice given to it by scientists and engineers.
Hi - thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct - scientists and engineers are both needed. But all I ever hear about in the stimulus plan is about scienctists.
On Global Warming... for every study that confirms there is Global Warming - one can be found to dispute it. Many GW believers have become non-believers after reviewing the facts. So I would have to repsectfully dispute your assertion about the science community.
I am a duck hunter - the past 7yrs I did not even get my samps because of the weather. The last two years, and especially this year, duck hunters in this area are seeing lots of migrating ducks where in the previous years there were barely any or they came down after the season. Ducks migrate south when the cold weather from the north "pushes" them down.
So how to explain Lake Erie not freezing in years past and the last two years it has frozen?
Weather patterns appear to be changing - but can't that be from the cyclical weather events?