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Letter: Obama will invest in scientific research

In our debate on the economy we need to remember what drives a healthy economy: basic research that transforms new ideas and innovations into new technologies and new jobs.

Montana’s economy has grown through innovative discoveries in clean energy, agriculture, engineering, environmental science and biomedicine. Continued economic growth depends upon leaders who understand how critically important science and technology are to the future of our state and our nation.

Sixty five Nobel Prize-winning U.S. scientists, including last week’s three newest science winners, signed a letter to the American People urging support for Sen. Barack Obama. From their letter: “The country urgently needs a visionary leader who can ensure the future of our traditional strengths in science and technology and who can harness those strengths to address many of our greatest problems: energy, disease, climate change, security, and economic competitiveness.”

Obama and Biden support research in clean energy sources such as clean coal, wind and biofuels. In Montana, this research will lead to new technologies that will boost our state economy, develop new jobs and keep our Montana students in Montana working in these new industries with high-paying jobs. In contrast, McCain and Palin support drilling and building nuclear power plants and Palin doubts that fossil fuels contribute to global warming. We need leaders who understand science, and who are willing to invest in scientific innovation that will ensure a promising future for Montanans.

Obama’s plan supports improved science and math education for young students and support for young scientists, filling the nation’s pipeline with new talent. Over the next decade, he will increase the budgets of national funding agencies to support research in energy, agriculture and biomedicine.

Our economic future depends upon a leader who will invest in research, innovation and our nation’s future talent.

Gwen Jacobs and nine co-signers, Bozeman


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