Scientists, Engineers Press for Virtual Town Hall Meetings with Presidenti

[eridani]

http://www.hitechtownhall.org/PressRelease.html


WASHINGTON - Craig Barrett, CEO of Intel Corporation, Alan Leshner, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Norman Augustine, retired chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation, extended an invitation Monday to President George W. Bush and Senator John F. Kerry to participate in separate "virtual town hall meetings" with scientists and engineers across the nation. The invitation was endorsed by 49 organizations representing a major fraction of the 3.5 million members of these communities working in industry, national laboratories, and universities.

"Economic growth and national security rely heavily on a strong science and engineering workforce," noted Helen Quinn, president of the American Physical Society, one of the sponsoring organizations, "but presidential candidates often overlook their votes. This year could be different, especially if both campaigns recognize that these voters could determine the outcome of the presidential election in states such as Arizona, Florida, Iowa, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin."

The invitation proposed that each candidate deliver remarks lasting about fifteen minutes, setting forth a vision for science and technology in the 21st century. In fitting with our high-tech age, each candidate would have his remarks Webcast live to tens of thousands of scientists and engineers throughout the country. A short question and answer period via the Internet would follow.

In emphasizing the importance of the event, Ross Armbrecht, president of the Industrial Research Institute, another sponsoring organization, stated, "Industry carries out about two-thirds of all U.S. research and development. Large numbers of industrial scientists, engineers, technologists, and managers need to know how each candidate plans to promote a climate that will attract and retain technical jobs in the U.S., while still allowing companies to protect their market positions through aggressive global expansion."

Helen Quinn further noted that the science and engineering communities represent a wide range of the political spectrum. Mary Woolley, president of Research!America, added "Polling shows that the America public, irrespective of political affiliation, strongly lines up behind scientific research. It is in the public's interest, as well as their own, for the presidential candidates to address the science and engineering communities directly during this election."

[MaineDem]

1. I'd love to see this

My first impression is that it would be better for Kerry because of his ability to understand complex issues and speak to them extemporaneously.

We all know that BoyGeorge can't speak without a script.

[soothsayer]

2. Kerry should go for this even in * ducks it n/t