Obama loves science at NAS

On Monday, 4/27, Barack Obama became the first sitting president since John Kennedy to speak at the NAS building. Obama used the occasion of the NAS annual meeting to tell NAS members how much he loves science and technology. It's hard to imagine a speech that would be more pleasing to the science community. See for yourself:

http://edg1.vcall.com/video/nas/launch.asp


He pledged that the nation would spend 3% of its GDP on R&D--"the largest commitment to scientific research and innovation in American history." He promised big pushes on clean energy and the fight against cancer and made a special commitment to science and math education and to support for young scientists.

During this half hour, science could do no wrong. It was all wisdom, with no narrowness of vision. It was all about service to the nation, with no self interest. It was the magic of innovation in the lab, with no worry about the social, cultural, legal, and economic systems that must all do their part if lab discoveries are to become practical realities. For this half hour everything seemed possible. If only it were so easy.