True math, science leaders needed

The idea of making math and science a hot topic in schools needs to be an imperative for children. However, math and science also needs to be in the forefront when it comes to public policy.
Just listen to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson who called for a renewed focus on science in key public policy deliberations during a talk at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University a few months ago. She urged scientists to become more active in the public policy arena, and for policymakers to rely on sound science. She also continued her call for increased investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics talent to sustain the nation’s capacity for innovation.
It is easy to point out that kids should do this and should do that, but adults should also get their math and science act together and not cave into the talking heads that babble on reciting purely partisan thoughts and half-truths. The examples are endless. When is the last time you heard a sound true two-sided technical discussion about the merits of the environment as it relates to oil drilling in Alaska? All you hear is emotional responses full of skewed facts.
By relying on sound science, it does not totally mean an answer should be based on pure facts and figures, because there is always a subjective element to any situation. But to make decisions because “I know more than anyone else” seems to not be the way to go. Spin doctors will always take the facts and use them to lead their point. What we need right now are leaders that are truly bipartisan because the consequences, not to sound alarmist, could be dire.
“To resolve the critical, global issues which confront us at the beginning of this young century–and to assure that our planet and its people, indeed, have a future–it is necessary for science and leadership to coalesce in ways that we have not yet seen,” Jackson said.
Talk to me.