The U.S. and China are passing each other in opposite directions in a U-turn from traditional 20th century scientific/educational expenditure models.
Last week Beijing released an experimental venture and educational plan to be the world leader in A.I. by 2030. Ref Southern China Morning Post.
While in Washington yet another scientific appointment will be free from anyone with a science background. The President has proposed removing a scientist from the Department of Agriculture’s chief scientist position; to be replaced by a talk radio host (Sam Clovis) who has self-proclaimed anti-science viewpoints.
A quote from Modern Farmer Magazine considering the talk radio host for this position: [Established back in 1994, the position, according to the language in the bill, “shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among distinguished scientists with specialized training or significant experience in agricultural research, education, and economics.”]
When one reads the description of the position, one realizes when the media proclaims “Trump’s war on Science,” this is not hyperbole, it is the reality. At the same time, we must accept that Trumpism is a belief system based on faith. Thus, the religion of Trump cannot be counter-balanced by logic; meaning the description of the position posted by Modern Farmer will not be relevant to a person who has accepted Trumpism.
How can we reverse the anti-science and anti-educational U-turn Trumpism is taking us? Promoting good old competition within the STEM fields in the areas of the country where Trumpism has dug in the deepest is one place to start.
For me personally, following a few trips, over the past decade, to the cities of Shenzhen and Beijing; contemplating how fast China is adopting scientific practices (while at the same time how quickly Washington is accelerating away from science and education); I wonder if China 2050 will have the same technological dominance over the U.S., as the U.S. had over China in 1950.
