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Please, George—Surprise Us! environment," I continued, "you need to EORGE W. BUSH WAS IN TOWN LAST week in preparation for his inaugu- bringyourselfup to speed—as most memration. You can imagine how de- bers of Congress have done—on the scilighted I was when he invited me over to his ence ofglobal climate change. I'm glad you transition office to give him some advice think more research is needed, and I urge you to support that research. on science and technology programs. "And speaking of research, I want to "Madeleine," he said with his slight Texas drawl, "you know I want to be the President remind you that you said, The federal government needs to maintain of all the people, and that „ a balanced research portfoincludes you. So tell me about * lio that supports all areas of your top priorities for science, * research.' I think it's super and please, call me George." z that biomedical research has "Well, George," I said de- | received such enormous murely, "let's start with your i increases in the past few choice of science adviser. Y)u | years, but advances in bioreally shouldfillthis position as medical research are heavily quickly as possible. Neal Lane dependent on basic research has gone back to Rice, and advances in chemistry physsince science is so central to so ics, and biology Naturally, I many domestic and foreign think chemistry needs more policy issues, this position funding. But also we need should not remain unfilled for ADVICE & DISSENT a long time. Also, all the recent C&EN's editor-in-chief more federal support of research on those things that science advisers have been gives new President affect all Americans, indeed physicists. Now, many of my her opinions. everyone in the world. best friends are physicists, but "For example, we need USDA to supit's time to choose a chemist to be your science adviser and head of the Office of Sci- port a lot more research on a wide range of ence & Technology Policy Chemistry is at topics in biology and chemistry from plant growth hormones and selective insectithe center of all the sciences." "But," said George, "I usually view things cides to genetically modified foods. On the latter topic, let me show you this story on from the right. What else?" "Well, George," I said gathering agricultural biotechnology by our Houscourage, "you've said, and I quote, 'When ton bureau head, Ann Thayer, on page 23 I am President, the U.S. will never be in the Jan. 22 issue of Chemical & Engicaught napping on energy policy, as the neering News. Do you realize how little we Clinton Administration admitted last year.' really know about StarLink corn?" But I'm concerned. "You want to drill in the "Don't tell me that stuff is in my corn Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and you chips!" he exclaimed, as he pushed aside don't seem too interested in energy con- the tortilla chips and salsa on his desk. servation. I think you need a comprehen- "Madeleine, our time is almost up. Is there sive, well-thought-out energy policy, but anything else you have to say?" energy conservation should be elevated to 'Yes," I said urgently "science and techa more central position than it's been in nology provide the underpinning of the the past few Administrations." U.S. economy and its leadership in the "There you go again with the center," world. A lot of scientists worry about whether the areas we have discussed are he chided. "What else is on your mind?" "Well, George," I said with a touch of your highest priorities. But I have confibravado, "about the environment. Promise dence in you. Surprise us!" Yes, all this happened just the other me you won't turn back the clock. I mean whether you loved or hated Carol Browner, night. And then I woke up. But maybe he she eventually came around to working really will surprise us—and that would be well with the chemical industry, and she a dream come true. accomplished a lot. I hope you really mean it when you said, As President, I will set high environmental standards and clear environmental expectations.' Editor-in-chief 'And while we're on the subject of the
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Views expressed on this page are those of the author and not necessarily those of ACS C&EN / JANUARY
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