Who Needs Science?

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For 500 years, the evolution of human society has been driven by science, and today we have more control over nature than ever before. But that doesn't make it easier for political leaders to understand the latest discoveries or sell the consequences to an uncomprehending public. Now, the Bush administration is under attack for ignoring the advice of scientists on several issues of critical consequences for the future of humankind. We talk with a Nobel Prize winner, a Republican Congressman and others about reconciling scientific advancements with political reality and ideology. Newsmaker: Jacques Rogge Named Olympic President - Except for America's Avery Brundage, the International Olympic Committee has always been lead by Europeans, a trend that appeared likely to change when the 2008 Games went to China. But, says the Los Angeles Times' Alan Abrahamson, President Juan Antonio Samaranch managed to call the shots one last time. Reporter's Notebook: The Politics of Immigrant Amnesty - Secretary of State Colin Powell and Attorney General John Ashcroft are considering legalizing the status of more than three million undocumented Mexicans living in the US. Tim Padgett, of Time magazine, expounds on the enormous political consequences of what may be the administration's move to court the Mexican-American vote.
For 500 years, the evolution of human society has been driven by science, and today we have more control over nature than ever before. But that doesn't make it easier for political leaders to understand the latest discoveries or sell the consequences to an uncomprehending public. Now, the Bush administration is under attack for ignoring the advice of scientists on several issues of critical consequences for the future of humankind. We talk with a Nobel Prize winner, a Republican Congressman and others about reconciling scientific advancements with political reality and ideology.
  • Newsmaker: Jacques Rogge Named Olympic President - Except for America's Avery Brundage, the International Olympic Committee has always been lead by Europeans, a trend that appeared likely to change when the 2008 Games went to China. But, says the Los Angeles Times' Alan Abrahamson, President Juan Antonio Samaranch managed to call the shots one last time.
  • Reporter's Notebook: The Politics of Immigrant Amnesty - Secretary of State Colin Powell and Attorney General John Ashcroft are considering legalizing the status of more than three million undocumented Mexicans living in the US. Tim Padgett, of Time magazine, expounds on the enormous political consequences of what may be the administration's move to court the Mexican-American vote.

International Olympic Committee

Los Angeles Times

Cal-Tech

Harvard's Kennedy School of Government

National Institute of Health

Newsweek

US House Committee on Science

Time

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney