EXCERPT:
"....The creation of the NSF deserves some exposition. It was inspired by the 1945 report Science: The Endless Frontier. Written by Truman’s science advisor Vannevar Bush, the report compellingly argues for government-funded science as a driver of our wealth, our health, and our security. He further notes, “A nation which depends on others for its new basic scientific knowledge will be slow in its industrial progress and weak in its competitive position in world trade, regardless of its mechanical skill.” Bush also observed, “In 1939 millions of people were employed in industries which did not even exist at the close of the last war.” America in the 20th century would become the world’s largest economy, leading in every important category of innovation and production.....
Meanwhile, did you ever wonder who conducts science in America? From 1900 onwards, on average about 10% of Americans have been first-generation immigrants. Yet first-generation immigrants have won 33% of all American Nobel prizes in the sciences since the award began in 1900, representing thirty-five countries from six continents. So immigrants to America are three times more productive at winning Nobel prizes than population statistics would predict....."
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FOCUS: Neil deGrasse Tyson | Science in America
Neil deGrasse Tyson, Neil deGrasse Tyson's Facebook Page
deGrasse Tyson writes: "A century ago Albert Einstein laid the theoretical foundation for the laser. Many will argue that all science should be practical, with tangible stated benefits to society. But history shows this posture to be frankly, naive. When Einstein derived his equations, I'd bet neither he nor anyone else was thinking 'Barcodes!' or 'Lasik Surgery!' or 'Rock Concerts!'"
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Neil deGrasse Tyson, Neil deGrasse Tyson's Facebook Page
deGrasse Tyson writes: "A century ago Albert Einstein laid the theoretical foundation for the laser. Many will argue that all science should be practical, with tangible stated benefits to society. But history shows this posture to be frankly, naive. When Einstein derived his equations, I'd bet neither he nor anyone else was thinking 'Barcodes!' or 'Lasik Surgery!' or 'Rock Concerts!'"
READ MORE
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http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/43173-focus-science-in-america
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