Quote:
Originally Posted by renormalised
What it says is that we're run by "bean counters" and "tale tattlers" (economists and lawyers), that have no idea of anything outside of their narrow world views, have no interest in or any idea about science, and that we've been in this parlous state for so long that we're rapidly going backward. We need more scientist to become interested in politics.
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If I ,as a South African can add to this discussion albeit unqualified, I would like to make two points.
1. Italy helping Kenya with their space program.
If it was the USA, Russia or China then there would be cause for concern.
2. I attended a presentation wrt SKA and South Africa's chances over Australia. The general feeling in South Africa is one of optimism for a number of reasons. The first is the governments committment to Astronomy and science in general. They have passed a series of legislation in favour of Astronomy and Science. Secondly when the presentation showed the South African tean involved in the SKA bid there were about 25 people (male and female). The average age was in the mid 20's and only 3 were astronomers, the remainder were scientists, engineers in various related disciplines.
On the Australian side there were less than 10, all astronomers and the average age in the 50's.
So , perhaps the problem in Australia is lack of governmet involvement and lack of interest from the youth of Australia.
Just an interested outsiders opinion.
