America Rallies in Support of New Space Exploration

 

AND YET, REPUBLICANS OPENLY HOSTILE TO SCIENTISTS AND FACTS
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TRUMP APPOINTEES UNQUALIFIED TO LEAD FEDERAL AGENCIES
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AGENDA CUTS RESEARCH, THREATENS ENVIRONMENT AND CITIZENRY

The flight of Falcon Heavy is a magnificent affirmation of science, technology and mankind’s potential for greatness. No less wonderous are the achievements of scientists and researchers who labor without fanfare to protect the environment or ease the agony of millions suffering from disease. Their genius stands is stark contrast to small-minded Republicans who disdain science, cut funding for critical research and appoint science deniers to positions of power. We Democrats offer a different vision, one of progress and enlightenment. Change is coming.

Treasure Coast Watches in Wonder and Admiration

Did you see it? Did you hear it? Did you feel it?

A majestic, powerful rocket named Falcon Heavy roared from its launch pad on the Space Coast, beginning a long journey to Mars. Two boosters separated and then returned intact to Earth,ever so slowly, so smoothly, so precisely on point.

From my front yard in Vero, I witnessed the Rise of the Falcon and the descent of the boosters in rapt awe, only moments after watching the actual launch live on my IPhone. I thought of the magnificence of man and of dreams outlandish.

Republicans Snub Science and Jeopardize Our Earth

Science. Aren’t we all believers? Sadly and remarkably, no.

Disbelievers rule our nation. They deny or turn a blind eye to evolution, threats to the environment, climate change and even the value of medical research. The bounties of the earth are theirs to use and misuse, and the public welfare be damned.

“They” are almost exclusively Republicans, whose supreme Leader has decried climate change as “Fake Science,” ignoring the majority of American who know better.

There are, undoubtedly, many in the GOP who do not share the radical views of their colleagues on the value of science, but remain silent nonetheless. Cowards all.

Republicans manifest their distrust and suspicion of science in many ways: their campaign platform, regressive environmental and energy policies, deregulations that roll back protections, distorted budget priorities and the woefully ignorant appointees to the administrative leadership positions and Congressional committees.

Democrats Embrace Science as Political Candidates

Change is coming, however. More than 60 researchers and technologists are running for federal office in 2018 “as part of a historic wave of candidates with science backgrounds launching campaigns,” reports the Huffington Post.

Furthermore, data compiled by 314 Action, a political action committee, show that as of Jan. 31 at least 200 candidates with previous careers in science, technology, engineering and math announced bids for state legislature.

The scientists seeking public office are entering a hostile political environment. The Huffington Post continues:

A year into his first term, President Donald Trump, has yet to name a science adviser and proposes debilitating budget cuts across federal agencies.  Our denier-in-chief openly mocks the widely accepted science behind global warming and has nominated ardent climate deniers to key environmental positions.

Under Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, the White House has reversed regulations to reduce greenhouse gases and put new rules in place to give control of the agency’s science advisory boards to researchers paid by industries.

Congress is also waging a “war on science” too. Under the leadership of Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), a virulent climate change denier and fossil fuel ally, the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology has mounted repeated “witch hunts” to tarnish the credibility of scientists, leading some to call it the “House (anti)science panel.”  See Huffington Post’s full report

Republican actions against the environment and the health and welfare of the American people border on criminal. If you think that a bit harsh, consider the charges brought against Michigan public officials for actions that resulted in toxic levels of lead being consumed by the residents of Flint. Why Gov. Rick Snyder is not among the indited is beyond me.

And why would Trump’s Interior Department issue an order that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicines stop work on an entirely justified study of the health risks of mountaintop-removal coal mining. The study was initiated after West Virginia health agencies revealed data that suggested increased rates of birth defects, cancer and other health problems among people living near big surface coal-mining operations in Appalachia.

You can read the full editorial from the Aug. 18 edition of The New York Times.

Keep searching. Five minutes on Google sent chills down my spine.

Will these Republican atrocities against science never end?

Yes they will — when Democrats take hold of Congress, in governorships, statehouses and, finally, the White House. That day cannot come fast enough.

Fly, Falcon, fly. And perhaps one day your cameras will look back on a nation governed by true stewards of the Earth.

Join us.  Be part of the solution.

–Richard Leonard, Communications Committee