A&M Biologist: Perry "Happy To Accept Science As Long As It's Politically Convenient"

[hatrack]

Gov. Rick Perry has championed Texas’ biotechnology industry with millions of dollars in state grants. On his watch, the Legislature has doubled the state outlay for higher education research. His office has strongly promoted science and math education through the Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) Initiative. He signed a $3 billion bond issue to find a cure for cancer.

He also has made the provocative claim that an increasing number of climate scientists doubt global warming, likening their position to Galileo, “who was outvoted for a spell.” He has dismissed evolution as a theory “with gaps.”

He strongly advocated for a controversial overhaul of higher education that would undermine the value of basic research. He appointed a climate change skeptic, Bryan Shaw, as chairman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and an evolution doubter, Don McLeroy, as head of the State Board of Education.

As governor, Perry has a mixed record on science-related issues. Now, on the nation al campaign trail, his views have earned him rebuke from fellow Republicans who fear his controversial views — while popular with the right wing — ultimately will alarm independent voters in the general election.

EDIT

http://blog.chron.com/rickperry/2011/10/perrys-views-on-science-draw-fire/

[Kurovski]

1. Prostitutes also engage in the chit-chat that gets you off

provided that you've paid in full.