01-01-2013, 01:59 AM
Definitely more cuts to basic science coming, for the US as well as the UK. The war in the 60's was between capitalism and communism (economic systems, not political systems). In the US, the war was declared "won" in the 80's. Since then, the US along with most of Europe has plunged deep into debt, essentially destroying the ideology behind pure capitalism. Meanwhile, the "defeated", mainly Russia and China backed away from pure communism and are now totalitarian socialist, with no debt and increasing assets. The US, Japan, UK, now Spain, Italy, Greece, are deep in debt and going deeper in debt, with Germany and France just barely keeping the European economy propped up.
http://www.debtbombshell.com/
UK Debt Bombshell
The UK has been more aggressive trying to cut spending by massively reducing their defense spending. The growing view is that basic science is a luxury that can no longer be afforded. Not long after Ronald Reagan stopped all federal funding of mental hospitals, he then went on to slash government funding of basic R&D (not military R&D). Scientists warned then that in 30 or 40 years, the US preeminence would be endangered. Well, it is a bit over 30 years and the US is falling behind in almost every area of science, especially biological and materials science. In the space program, the US is depending on the Russians for a taxi ride, can't really put together any comprehensive plan beyond the space station, and showing less and less financial ability to participate at all. This, while China is preparing for a permanent position on the Moon and the Russians have even announced a Moon program starting in 2017. Now, the US has 6 Republicans on the Science Committee that are Creationists. The chairman is a Christian Scientist and doesn't believe in vaccines or global warming. Let's see, they believe science is a lie and they will be making the votes affecting science. Let's see how that turns out.
http://gizmodo.com/5965947/the-new-head-...ience-much
The New Head of Congress’ Science and Tech Committee Sure Doesn’t Seem to Like Science Much
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/04...37394.html
Paul Broun Expects To Remain On Science Committee After Calling Science 'Lies' From 'The Pit Of Hell'
Let's hear it for the Gipper and the Conservative Right-wing Republicans with their core essence-of-Reagan Tea Party.
"It was a majority decision to descend into the Dark Ages. Don't worry, be happy, bang on da drum all day!"
http://www.debtbombshell.com/
UK Debt Bombshell
The UK has been more aggressive trying to cut spending by massively reducing their defense spending. The growing view is that basic science is a luxury that can no longer be afforded. Not long after Ronald Reagan stopped all federal funding of mental hospitals, he then went on to slash government funding of basic R&D (not military R&D). Scientists warned then that in 30 or 40 years, the US preeminence would be endangered. Well, it is a bit over 30 years and the US is falling behind in almost every area of science, especially biological and materials science. In the space program, the US is depending on the Russians for a taxi ride, can't really put together any comprehensive plan beyond the space station, and showing less and less financial ability to participate at all. This, while China is preparing for a permanent position on the Moon and the Russians have even announced a Moon program starting in 2017. Now, the US has 6 Republicans on the Science Committee that are Creationists. The chairman is a Christian Scientist and doesn't believe in vaccines or global warming. Let's see, they believe science is a lie and they will be making the votes affecting science. Let's see how that turns out.
http://gizmodo.com/5965947/the-new-head-...ience-much
The New Head of Congress’ Science and Tech Committee Sure Doesn’t Seem to Like Science Much
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/04...37394.html
Paul Broun Expects To Remain On Science Committee After Calling Science 'Lies' From 'The Pit Of Hell'
Let's hear it for the Gipper and the Conservative Right-wing Republicans with their core essence-of-Reagan Tea Party.
"It was a majority decision to descend into the Dark Ages. Don't worry, be happy, bang on da drum all day!"
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*