Don't care much about astronomy

This shows a certain scientific illiteracy on the part of Sen. McCain that is troubling. As a former Navy pilot, he should know that astronomies and observatories are critical to our understanding of the universe, but also to the understanding of the atmosphere and climate on Earth. Clearly, Sen. McCain doesn't know much about agriculture or biology either -- he has slammed the study of bear DNA and now the pig odor. But these studies are set forth and build on other research. They have specific goals, often intertwined with economic interests. The process for getting a grant approved is rigorous and every penny has to be outlined in the proposal. I suggest that Sen. McCain read those before he speaks sarcastically about them.

Wow Sasha, what an objective tone you maintain in your "reporting". Go back to MoveOn where you won't have to pretend you're unbiased. Writing for the Globe website is not license to be a partisan cog.

Dear GlobeBlows;

Reading comprehension is important. So is also understanding the difference betwen an opinion piece and a news story. Seems you have neither comprehension nor understanding.

This appears to be an opinion column,not a news story. But, if she had written something you agreed with, would you also be yelling at her about her lack of objectivity?

I doubt it. Finally, sign your name. It's the civilized thing to do.

Ironically, Dejah, I do agree with the post. I am a huge supporter of astronomy as an endeavor which, to a large degree defines humanity in my opinion (yes, I understand an opinion). It is distressing that the space and astronomy programs are being met with setbacks as 'global warming' sucks up all of the science dollars. Opinion columns are normally notated as such, and while I am able to admit this is a nebulous forum (no pun intended), I both fully comprehend Sasha's post, but thank you for your attempt at ridicule...keeps me on my toes.
Guess I couldn't help but state my opinion that the Globe blows.
Signed,
Jay Breen

...and Dejah, nice pseudonym. Too bad you don't follow your own advice. While reading comprehension is important (I am a reading teacher), so is grammar. "So is also" and "neither...nor" are grammatically incorrect. You must have known that, being on your high horse and such.

Pork is unconstitutional and should be stopped.

Article 1 section 8 of the constitution states:

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

Pork overides the statement that requires all duties to be uniform throughout the United States. The state’s legislature should decide what projects to spend their portion of the United States money allotted to them proportionately from the US Congress.

Before the election, both candidates were asked their views on the importance of science (by Science Magazine, I believe). Both responded that science was important to them and would factor large in their proposed administrations. But McCain's views revealed clearly that he sees science solely as technology, with a very strong focus on military technology. Obama has a broader view that includes medical research, biology, and other historical and environmental sciences. McCain's focus on technology-as-science may be why he sees no use in non-tech (and particularly non-military-tech) science.

McCain's hostility toward astronomy is doubly odd because Arizona is one of the major centers for astronomy in the United States, with both major national observatories and important university research. It also appears that he's still knocking the refurbishing of the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, since that was one of the "pork" projects he denounced.

It's hard to believe that the reaction of astronomers accounts for McCain's surprising poor home state polling numbers, but when you add up both the professionals at Kitt Peak and the University of Arizona and the Lowell Observatory at Flagstaff and the countless amateurs who have moved to Arizona for its clear desert skies, perhaps the star gazers will tip the next election to the Democrats.