Bush versus Kerry on science and technology

Proper Gander

thought this appropriate to post, this being a tech site

"In the past week there have been two articles that take a look at the differences with regards to science and technology between incumbent George W. Bush and presidential hopeful Senator John Kerry. As it's Friday, I figured there was no harm in presenting the two here, just in case anyone wanted to talk tech and politics. Sadly, neither of the articles in question entertain candidates from other parties, so we're left with Bush and Kerry as the political spectrum.

First up, there's a very good article at Nature posing 15 central questions to Bush and Kerry. The article (here in PDF | here in interactive form) then publishes each candidate's response. Questions include the ramifications of restricted travel on foreign scientists, the potentially biased nature of science advising in politics, continued nuclear weapons research, policies on space exploration, the environment, genetically modified foods, and stem-cell research. It's a good read, even if it's full of political rhetoric.

Next up, there's Declan McCullagh's article that looks at the two candidates with regards to the FCC, the DMCA, the Patriot Act, VoIP, taxes and copyright. This article is really more of an opinion piece, but it does touch on some things we're not used to hearing the candidates speak on. Enjoy. Or tear your hair out."

go to article for working links

digitalwanderer

Bush believes in religion over science, Kerry believes in science over religion.

There just couldn't be a clearer choice this November, vote Kerry.

OldBuzzard

You mean that TODAY Kerry means that.

Given his track record, he will say something else tomorrow, and yet a third thing on the day after.

digitalwanderer

I'd really rather have a President that changes his mind as he learns new facts rather than one who would stick to his resolve even though it has been proven to be wrong.

The_Neon_Cowboy

actually america was founded on religion you have the civilised world to day to thank for it....

I'll vote for anyone but kerry and nader

pr0digal jenius

damnit....why couldn't edwards have beaten kerry for the democratic nomination

digerati

He doesn't learn anything. He'll say anything to please anyone. I don't like the idea that Bush is so anti-gay or anti-abortion but at least I know he is. And at least I know Bush is for the death penalty, while Kerry is against it unless it's a "really high crime" or they're a "terrorist." Gimme a break.

Dom

Civilized world? How is it civil? Tens of millions of people have been slauhtered in the name of religion.

Sturmbahn

You'll have to keep waiting then. Both candidates pander to potential voters. Bush is just lucky that the Republican party is more cohesive than the collection of minorities that is the Democratic party. Using religion as an example: Bush has to appeal to Christians in general; Kerry has to show that he, not Bush, can better guide black Methodists to the promised land while assuring his potential atheist voting block that the influence of religion will be reduced under his administration.

aboyandhisblob

kerry. charles ii wasn't a great monarch but he was more fun than oliver cromwell.

raid517

Haha, that's funny. But I wonder which he is comparing himself to?

I see Bush as more of a Cromwell, full or war, religion and paranoia - and maybe Kerry is a King Charles, a little decedant, a tad self indulgent, a bit more easy going, maybe a bit more flexible - I mean some of the guys here think he's too flexible - but maybe in the end he sees his mission to make America a little less freaked out than it is right now - which all in all may be no bad thing.

All of this mysery, terror and paranoia must surely become tiresome after a while?

GJ

bird chest

Bet you thought you got rid of me haha.

Anyways I am still voting for Bush, Kerry is all talk and no walk as far as I can see. Thats why he always changes what he says, etc...

lenchmob

Really you've said it all they each have their own agendas. Like others have said here though, I'd rather go with Bush than Kerry based on the premise of consistency.