Here's a q and a that was on Election Central awhile ago.  I tried to answer it, but maybe I missed something.
 

This is a must read, alarming and occasionally funny:

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain

I can't shake the feeling that momentum has shifted in a big way in the presidential race: 

Two polls in VA show Obama with a 10+ lead.  New Hampshire.  People, including military types, basically calling McCain's campaign a liar.  Michigan pullout.  People getting sick of all of the "way out there" attack ads. And the biggest indicator of all, the economy. 

The future ain't going to be easy, but I still say that this Monday's a good day.

  Obama this week answered questions from ScienceDebate 2008, a group of 38k scientists and science supporters. It looks good.

 I am a geologist and have been concerned over our government's anti-science stance-documented in many publications, including The Republican War on Science.  I mean, some of their decisions have been ludicrous to the point of idiocy, which is scary when your leaders discount rationality.  Examples range from what everyone knows, i.e. global warming, to the endangered species act, HIV policy, and even allowing endless lawsuits questioning the science of decisions of government agencies to allow companies to do what they wish. I'm especially encouraged by his scientific integrity in government stance (one of the questions given).

Obama's stances seem to be on the level.  Hell, his thinking seems to be far more rational than McCain or Bush. But does the American public care about rationality?  Science and engineering innovation keep America strong.  Not invading a country and pissing away your allies and your budget because God told you to do it also keeps America strong.  But does America care?  Obama this week answered questions from ScienceDebate 2008, a group of 38k scientists and science supporters. It looks good.

 I've been reading a few political books lately, like The Republican War on Science. I am a geologist and have been concerned over our government's anti-science stance.  I mean, some of their decisions have been ludicrous to the point of idiocy, which is scary when your leaders discount rationality.  Examples range from what everyone knows, i.e. global warming, to the endangered species act, HIV policy, and even allowing endless lawsuits questioning the science of decisions of government agencies to allow companies to do what they wish.

Obama's stances seem to be on the level.  Hell, his thinking seems to be far more rational than McCain or Bush. But does the American public care about rationality?  Science and engineering innovation keep America strong.  Not invading a country and pissing away your allies and your budget because God told you to do it also keeps America strong.  But does America care?

  Obama this week answered questions from ScienceDebate 2008, a group of 38k scientists and science supporters. It looks good.

 I've been reading a few political books lately, like The Republican War on Science. I am a geologist and have been concerned over our government's anti-science stance.  I mean, some of their decisions have been ludicrous to the point of idiocy, which is scary when your leaders discount rationality.  Examples range from what everyone knows, i.e. global warming, to the endangered species act, HIV policy, and even allowing endless lawsuits questioning the science of decisions of government agencies to allow companies to do what they wish.

Obama's stances seem to be on the level.  Hell, his thinking seems to be far more rational than McCain or Bush. But does the American public care about rationality?  Science and engineering innovation keep America strong.  Not invading a country and pissing away your allies and your budget because God told you to do it also keeps America strong.  But does America care?

  Obama recently answered questions from ScienceDebate 2008, a group of 38k scientists and science supporters: http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/www/index.php?id=40

I'm encouraged by his responses: I've been reading a few political books lately, like The Republican War on Science. I am a geologist and have been concerned over our government's anti-science stance.  I mean, some of their decisions have been ludicrous to the point of idiocy, which is scary when your leaders discount rationality. 

Obama's stances seem to be on the level.  Hell, his thinking seems to be more rational than McCain or Bush. But does the American public care about rationality?  Science and engineering innovation keep America strong.  Not invading a country and pissing away your allies and your budget because God told you to do it also keeps America strong.  But does America care?

One thing I am perplexed about is how adamant each side is in the FISA immunity debate.  I hear no talk of compromise--just either that it's good or it's bad.  Could language be constructed that said an investigation will take place, list capitulations to the White House that are ok, and list infractions that are not?  We could call it "limited immunity" or "the line in the sand that telecoms may not cross".  Thoughts?