The Chinese economic minister recently said that the world is an information and technology economy. The reason the US has the largest economy is because of government dedication to science. Without that, no country can thrive.
Given that China is catching up quickly, increasing science funding is something should have happened long ago.
Jackof MN11:37AM April 24, 2010
a mess
donzell jonesof GA3:28PM February 16, 2010
The Council for Chemical Research study sheds light onto the public economic return on investing in R&D. Thank Dr. Francisco for informing readers
Sethof IL8:18PM February 11, 2010
Yep, except for NASA. Do those posting on here realize all that we have learned (and all that we still need to know) from these programs? Based on what I see here, the answer is no. Clearly a scientific board is not the core readers of US News.
And while I applaud this administration's small efforts to promote science, it would do far better with capital investment tax credits, depreciation acceleration and other incentives for business (including science-based business) to keep America strong in the science fields. This, however, is not happening.
But finally, most importantly, the line that the $3.8 trillion budget "shows restraint" is total hogwash. Even Obama's budget director has said that it is unsustainable. What planet is this author floating on? Perhaps he captured the NASA budget?
Sherlock Holmesof NH7:38PM February 11, 2010
The US will always have a problem keeping low-value-added jobs from migrating overseas. The presence of high-value-added jobs depends on innovation, and innovation depends on research, and research depends on funding (as well as a talented workforce and a favorable tax code).
Right now, many countries are competing vigorously for R&D and tomorrow's hi-tech jobs. If the US does not fund science programs, China, Israel, Singapore and others will.
Paul Mendezof MD6:55PM February 11, 2010
I'm glad to see science being funded well - this is where economic development starts. If we would invest in energy strongly and become the dominant experts on both the science and delivery of clean, reliable fuels and electricity then our economy will be strong for years and years. And the jobs will stay here.
Kellyof WA6:55PM February 11, 2010
I don't see a reason to send man into space anyway. Manned spaceflight is never going to get past the moon. We've already been there and its not a nice place to live. We need to put that money into saving where we live now.
Marc Weeseof WV4:07PM February 11, 2010
I don't usually comment on these things. But I felt the need to point out that "JoeKidd" appears to be completely out of his mind. Not only did he make nonsensical arguments about the proposed US budget but he also wasted our time by spamming his blog and Twitter account in his post.
Americanof OK10:17PM February 10, 2010
Memo to Kent Garber:
Spin Obama's budget any way you want, but make no mistake: his budget will not only bankrupt the United States, it'll provide China the leverage it wants to hurt us.
Also, Obama just killed US Manned Space Exploration and GUTTED NASA. Sure, NASA gets more money down the road...but it's to promote, er, I mean "study" global warming! What the Hell is that?
Obama's decisions will result in the day when we'll have to ask Russia or China FOR PERMISSION to put an American in space!
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Jack of MN 11:37AM April 24, 2010
donzell jones of GA 3:28PM February 16, 2010
Seth of IL 8:18PM February 11, 2010
Sherlock Holmes of NH 7:38PM February 11, 2010
Paul Mendez of MD 6:55PM February 11, 2010
Kelly of WA 6:55PM February 11, 2010
Marc Weese of WV 4:07PM February 11, 2010
American of OK 10:17PM February 10, 2010
JoeKidd of CA 7:48PM February 10, 2010