Remember the State of the Union pledge to put science front and center in building the nation’s economy?
That was then, this is now: Fermilab is cutting projects due to reduced federal funding. The U.S. is ceding pre-eminence in particle physics to CERN in Europe, or anyone else who will simply spend the money.
Dorigo has the details and links, at A Quantum Diaries Survivor.
It is clear that the US congress does not believe pure research in subatomic physics something useful for the Nation. Let’s face it: we lived through sixty years of good funding on the standing wave of nuclear weapons research, but we do not seem to manage to fool anybody anymore: no more deadly tools from muons and neutrinos. So, no dough. Sad, but true. I only hope that Europe will be smarter and that particle research at CERN will continue as strong as it has been recently shown to be.
Regret to start your weekend on down notes; science does best if syncopation is not limited, however. Get out there and play.
Millard Fillmore's Bathtub 
I agree Necromancer…look at the Raptor. I know the U.S. needs air superiority, but science could use a shot in the arm as well.
One of the strongest historical peaks on the scientific chart (in physics) occurred during the construction of the atomic bomb, and the cold war was afoot. Then it seemed the obvious connection between science and technology ensured that both were sufficiently financially nurtured.
Perhaps the next administration will do better?
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Science, in the abstract, has had a tough time under the Bush administration. Technology, in contrast, is flourishing. Lacks a certain harmony, I think.
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You said something, but I’ll be damned if I know what.
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Right, because all we ever do in Europe in sit around enjoying our superior social services.
You idjit.
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I agree that the cuts are unfortunate. Perhaps if Europe, our so called Nato allies, you know the ones we saved from Hitler, would help in the war on Islam, we might have more money to spend on pure science.
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[…] monetary terms as well; we spend more on war, something has to get cut. One of those somethings is basic scientific research: Remember the State of the Union pledge to put science front and center in building the nation’s […]
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