I was star-struck to learn that the
YearlyKos Science Panel will have the honor of hosting an actual four-star General! But then again, I'm not surprised that General
Wesley Clark would value science given his former occupation and his lifelong commitment to scholastic excellence: Clark graduated first in his class from West Point in 1966, and is a Rhodes Scholar, having earned a master's degree in politics, philosophy and economics. He is also a graduate of the Ranger and Airborne schools. Our fighting men and women are dependent on sober analysis, pinpoint accuracy, and solid information. It can literally mean the difference between life and death. And historically, the practical military applications that flow directly from science have sometimes been the key advantage for our armed forces when battling superior numbers or fanatical enemies. I can't think of another 'industry' that has more to lose from the politicization of science than the US Military and the nation they serve and protect.
Seeing the need for leadership on this topic, Gen. Clark spoke about climate change as part of a panel at the 2005 Clinton Global Initiative, where he said that the problem impacts national security. Clark has also produced podcasts discussing global warming, and has joined the virtual marchers on http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/.
Press release--From the Blogosphere: Retired General Wesley K. Clark will join a panel discussion on science at the YearlyKos convention in Las Vegas June 9. The panel, titled "Championing Science," also features moderator Stephen Darksyde, author Chris Mooney, Dr. P.Z. Myers, and author Wendy Northcutt. The discussion will focus on current topics in science and the importance of maintaining scientific principles.
With the world's population now exceeding six billion people, our welfare is becoming ever more dependent on science and the applications that flow from it. New scientific discoveries are being made nearly every day that deepen our understanding of our planet and its inhabitants, as well as the effects that people are having on the earth.
Unfortunately, coalitions in America and other countries are actively trying to redefine science based on non-scientific principles. The YearlyKos science panel will discuss how a large coalition of science writers, researchers, and progressive political activists are working to counter these pseudo-scientific groups.
"Ensuring that current and future generations have access to the collective knowledge of science gathered over the millennia is critical in helping to safeguard the future of our country and improve the lives of all people," says Gina Cooper, YearlyKos executive director. "As a former high school math and science teacher, I appreciate the concern that scientists have about pseudo-scientific groups. We are very pleased that General Clark will be joining this panel discussion at YearlyKos."
One last thing: Register for YearlyKos here while you still can. That is all.