a scientist's role in the democratic process

As the election process nears its end I'm fearful that scientist's opinions are not being heard by the general public. Intertwined with everyone's vote for president is an endorsement of how the country should approach energy, climate change, disease, education, health care and the economy. These problems can be solved through science and technology or (inclusive) affect the country's strength in science and technology.

Scientists must be involved in the president's day to day business if the problems are to be actively pursued and the damage done to science reversed. The time sensitive nature of the problems don't allow our president the luxury of waiting 10 months into their term to appoint a science adviser(s) or hiding them in the Office of Homeland Security (link). Our next president, not the community of scientists, will choose their scientific advisers and determine the adviser's involvement - adding substantial weight to each vote.

Ultimately, the public is collectively responsible for making an informed and well-reasoned decision about the next president and consequently how these problems should be approached. Scientists have the responsibility of helping inform the public's decision, simply by making the facts broadly understandable and sharing them. Some scientists have temporarily distilled this responsibility down to sharing their votes for president.

For example, 61 Nobel Laureates have signed an open letter endorsing Obama, more than any other presidential candidate has received. Apparently this number is now 65 (link). More recently, the Scientists and Engineers for America Action Fund (SEFORA) and Scienceblogs are hosting A Vote for Science on YouTube featuring videos of scientists explaining their vote for president.

As many of the pictures you'll find here indicate, I'm not photogenic. So in lieu of a video sharing my vote I'll say it here: My name is Jason Green. I'm a scientist. I voted absentee for Barack Obama. If you'd like to read more about where the candidates stand on science and scientific policy a good resource is Physics Today. You might also follow the links throughout this post.