Science Statement

I work in the science policy field and I feel this statement is one of the main reasons we need Barack Obama as president of the United States.

Unfortunately, the current Administration has undermined the integrity of U.S. science policy. It has stacked scientific advisory boards, suppressed research that conflicts with its political agenda, failed to make decisions on the basis of the best available evidence, and prevented government scientists from speaking openly with the public and the media.

This was taken from INVESTING IN AMERICA’S FUTURE: BARACK OBAMA AND JOE BIDEN’S PLAN FOR SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

I can not endorse a candidate who's running mate supports Intelligent Design and believes Global Warming is a hoax.   

Reaction to Billion Dollar Bailout

So this an email chain with my coworker and I this afternoon with the subject "Should I send this out?"

On Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 11:04 AM,

These are trying times for our country. The collapse and/or forced sale of many of our nation's largest and most trusted banks and instability in various markets has caused significant doubt about the future of our economy. As a result, I am hereby suspending all work in cubicle and surrounding areas (hallway), in order to work on this crisis. In order to keep America strong, I am also postponing my long-scheduled meeting with the Dr. So andSo to discuss my work ethic and the broad range of computer games I play during work hours, as this is no time for talk about games. What we need right now is not talk, which is terrorism, but action. Therefore, I will immediately rush to my home to work the phones promoting a $40 bailout plan for my dinner, which I had planned to eat at the Thai place around the corner but which is now in a state of considerable uncertainty. I assume that all other patriots in this building will help me in this effort. God bless me, and God bless America.

Anonymous

And my response...

 

On Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 11:14 AM

Dear Staff,

As this crisis seems to escalate, I, unlike Senator Obama, will join my mate and also suspend activities in my cublicle as well, in order to counsel my colleague and the nation in it's quest to relinquish itself from the greed of a few and restore order. I will do so by reinvesting in the local economy through investment in the choicest hops and finest edibles. I will make direct contact with the economic machine of this country's capital. I will find the answer through the lens of an empty pint glass and fully contemplate the percentage of bailout I will attach to the required cost of said consumption, in the form of gratuity.

There is no price to large, no time of contemplation too short, no time to waste. God Bless all.

Communication & Politics

So this past week I've been wondering how do I communicate to my peers, my acquaintances and those I don't know the importance of November 4th when we elect a new president?
How do I let everyone know that our decision on one day is so important for 1461 days that follow?
How do I transcend the passion and emotion of my feelings towards politics and the elections and really inform?
How do you argue constructively and correctly with an non-accepting audience that can only counter with emotion and anecdotal evidence?
How do I assure everyone that their choices matter?

There are a number of people in my life that run the spectrum of politic views. From the non-voter, to the lefty liberal, to the righty conservative. It is is hard to convince those who are unaccepting of your views to understand your position and appreciate your point-of-view.

For now I will send them interesting articles like Maureen Dowd's columns from the New York Times.

I'd appreciate any advice.

Celebrating Bachelorhood

This weekend marked marked 8 weeks until Jenn and Martyn tie the knot.  The boys and girls had their respective bachelor parties this weekend.  All I know is the boys had fun.  Despite a rained out baseball game and sweltering temperatures, we had a good deal of fun.  

9 out 10 of us.

We had dinner at Central in DC. It was a great meal and we all certainly stuffed ourselves.  The charcuterie plate was really amazing and the faux gras (chicken liver instead of duck) was really extraodinary.  For my meal I also had the filet mignon tartare (seen below).  It had a nice kick of Tabasco.  For dinner I had braised beef cheeks, which were really good.  they came with a carrot puree and fettuccini.  I think the boys enjoyed the meal in the private room in the kitchen.

Martyn made it until 4:20 am on Saturday (well sunday i guess).

Weekend of News??

During my visit to Allentown, Pennsylvania this weekend, I spent a few hours at my grandfather's house. And all he watches is Fox News.  Fox News mantra on their homepage is "We Report, You decide."  I beg to differ.  Most know of the political agenda and the right leaning of the Fox News Channel.  So I've been interested.  And recently, The Daily Show has just been amazing with great quotes, comparisons, and clips, like this one. The 3 minute mark with Senators Foghorn Leghorn and Droopy Dog are outrageous.  

So I've heard that more of my generation gets its political news from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart than from traditional sources.  The statistics show that TDS and Colbert Show viewers are more knowledeable on world affairs than Fox News.  I'm not suprised.  When Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert joke or satirize the political craziness, smart people enjoy it.  I would assume (not the best way to conclude things) that those who watch JS and SC read newspapers and get their news elsewhere too.  They just really appreciate the humor slant that the dynamic duo from Comedy Central provide.  I know politics doesn't appeal to all, but it certainly is intriguing, it certainly is funny.