Read more: “Science in America“
WHEN America sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold. But as the global economy stumbles on through a crisis that began when the US housing bubble burst in 2007, it’s easy to forget that this cheerless statement has an uplifting corollary: when America soars, it can inspire us all.
From the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe after the second world war, through the Apollo moon landings, to today’s internet, iPad and other wonders, it is impossible to deny America’s contributions. Even today, as China and India flex their muscles, the world still looks to the US for leadership.
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This is especially true in science. A nation founded on the Enlightenment has melded massive investment in research, an open door to the world’s best minds and unparalleled entrepreneurism to become a powerhouse of innovation. Leaf through a typical issue of New Scientist, and you will witness American ingenuity on almost every page.
This is why the tone and content of some recent political debate in the US is so disquieting. When candidates for the highest office in the land appear to spurn reason, embrace anecdote over scientific evidence, and even portray scientists as the perpetrators of a massive hoax, there is reason to worry. Fortunately, there is no reason to panic.
On issues including climate change, evolution and public health, it may seem as if the forces of anti-science are in the ascendancy. If you look through the lens of history or apply a scientific approach, however, logical explanations for these apparently perverse positions emerge (see “Science in America: Decline and fall” and “Science in America: Selling the truth“).
What also becomes clear is that no political party has a monopoly on unscientific thinking. While the most alarming statements may be coming from Republican quarters today, don’t forget that it was a three-time Democratic presidential candidate who led the attack on evolution at the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial.
All those who value America’s scientific leadership should do more to engage in political debate. In doing so, it’s important to recognise the dangers of partisanship. In recent years, scientists have leaned heavily towards the Democrats, rushing to embrace Barack Obama’s promise to put science “back in its rightful place”.
While it was true that George W. Bush’s administration often let ideology trump scientific evidence, the suggestion that there was a concerted was simplistic and unhelpful. Even in 2009 as the Democrats lavished stimulus bucks on research, New Scientist warned there would be a backlash if things went sour.
And indeed there is among some conservatives. So it is vital for science to find allies across the political spectrum prepared to put science at the heart of debate.
“It is vital to find allies across the political spectrum to put scienceat the heart of debate”
Recent experience provides evidence that those allies exist, sometimes in unexpected places. When Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann expressed her opinion that the HPV vaccine could cause mental retardation, some of the most forceful criticisms and .
In these uncertain times, the world needs American innovation and leadership more than ever. So let’s do all we can to ensure that the nation’s leaders embrace science – whatever their political persuasion.