Recent reports of our brave and fearless leader sacking (and eliminating the post of) Canada’s National Science Advisor have got me very concerned.
In a time when the human race is facing what may arguably be some of the most complex and important scientific questions in our existence (global climate change, bioengineering, nanotechnology, etc) it is distressing to see the disregard for science shown by our current government.
Following in the footsteps of our southern neighbours, the current Conservative government appears to have set out to systematically dismantled the scientific advisory and oversight system and muzzle scientists for political purposes. This is dangerous and wrong.
Regardless of where you stand on the scientific issues, wouldn’t you want your leaders to be open to learned advice and the most up-to-date information on the topics? I would. Obviously Steven Harper and his crew don’t.
And the Liberals – the only national party that could conceivably get the Republicans out of parliament – chose for themselves another barely-bilingual party leader last year. Even so, recent polls put them even with Harper, both squarely in minority territory. It’s almost like they don’t want the job.
Oh, well. I hear we’ve always been at war with Eastasia.