Since blogging about the quest to revive the Office of Technology Assessment–spurred on by Science Cheerleader–I’m psyched to say that others are taking up the call, including Nick Anthis, Bora, and Chad Orzel. I don’t know if this is a critical mass or not–probably not–but it’s a start.
Seriously, folks, we can’t let the majority Democrats off the hook on this. There is no excuse not to bring the office back, and pronto. In fact, that’s part of the problem: It’s such a no-brainer that it’s hard to even get too fired up about it, and it’s so little money that it’s not a huge agenda item.
But that’s precisely why we have to sustain the noise. And there’s a long way to go–the OTA petition, which I just signed, only has some 150 signatures! That’s nothing. We ought to have thousands. So please send it around to anyone you can think of.
Just because bring OTA back makes so much sense doesn’t mean it’s going to just happen on its own. Perhaps we need a blog coalition–it worked for Science Debate 2008. Darlene?
April 6th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Go! Team! Go!
April 6th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
OK – I signed it. If successful, it’s one more safeguard against the spin doctors.
Speaking of spin doctors, Mr. Marc Morano is challenging global warming “conspirists” to debate in a public forum. Check out what Desmogblog.com says:
http://www.desmogblog.com/marc-morano-global-warming-spin-doctor-flogged-perfect-counter-guest-debater
Chris – this is exactly what I hoped would happen; now we need a response. If this guy can be taken seriously (his credentials are not good but he has a WIDE audience), what would you think about taking him on? Should be easy.
April 6th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Let’s do it!
Let’s put together a blog coalition. This is the time–right now.
On Friday, Congressman Holt submitted his formal request (to the appropriations subcommittee) for funds to reopen the Office of Technology Assessment. On May 3rd (less than one month from now), he will address the floor. Word on the street is the odds are 70% in favor in the House; much lower in the Senate.
Soon, I should learn which senators are pivotal and I will let you and your readers know immediately so folks who have jurisdiction to vote for those senators can send letters, make phone calls and let their support for the OTA be known.
Thanks for elevating the ranks of this important and timely issue, Chris.
I’ll start reaching out to fellow bloggers…
-Darlene
April 6th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Signed the petition.
April 7th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
If you think that this administration is not going to politicize technology policy for their own ends, every bit as much as the previous one, then you are more gullible than Jenny McCarthy.