piner@pur-phy.UUCP (Richard Piner) (03/01/86)
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 1986 2:15 PM EST Msg: NGIG-2194-8104
From: RPARK
To: WHATSNEW
Subj: What's New, 28 February 1986 Washington, DC
URGENT APPEAL TO MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY
TO SUPPORT BASIC SCIENCE:
Confronted by a severe fiscal crisis, our elected representatives have
taken drastic action to curtail spending. The reduction of the Federal
deficit cannot succeed, however, without a healthy economy. No element
is more vital to maintaining that health than investment in science and
particularly in basic science. Any momentum that is lost may take
years to recover. Our economic competitors will not be idle during
those years.
Yet, the science community seems dangerously complacent. In the
current fiscal year, the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Deficit Reduction Act
mandates across the board cuts that will curtail some existing programs
and severely limit the number of new starts. The situation for the
coming fiscal year is far less certain and potentially far more
serious. Although the President's asking budget for FY 87 includes
healthy increases for science, few expect the President's budget to be
adopted in its present form. There is little doubt that Congress will
restore many programs that have been eliminated in the asking budget.
To do so, they will quite naturally look to those areas that have fared
relatively well. The danger for basic science is great.
The scientific societies and the various university associations
have not been silent, and Congress has heard testimony from many of
these organizations. They have not, however, heard from the individual
scientists who actually conduct the research. In the opinion of many
experienced observers in Washington, those voices must be heard if
science is to be protected. I share that view.
I therefore urge that all members and friends of the American
Physical Society undertake the responsibility of informing their
elected representatives of the need to invest in scientific research--a
need that is even greater in times of economic stress. Even as we send
that message, we must demonstrate the unity of the scientific
community. It would be unfortunate if we appear to be pleading only
for those projects in which we have a personal stake. I recommend that
in your contacts with members of Congress you stress the value of
science rather than of particular projects. The priorities of science
are best argued through the merit review process.
The time is short. Committee action on the budget must be
completed by April 1. We must by then have made clear that the science
we love for its beauty is also the foundation of our material
well-being.
Sidney D. Drell, President
Robert L. Park (202) 429-1946
American Physical Society THAT'S ALL 2/28/86