Republicans Block Proposal For National Science Laureate, Fearing Science
Who'd be against science? Norman Rockwell for Popular Science House Republicans, fearing action on climate change, do the nation a distinct disservice. Earlier this week, House Republicans quietly blocked a proposal that would institute the position of science laureate of the United States. It was expected to sail by--after all, who could possibly have a problem with an honorary position that costs the taxpayers absolutely nothing, the goal of which is to promote science education? House Republicans, apparently. In the United States, the position of laureate--the only national one of which is the poet laureate--is a largely ceremonial position. The poet laureate receives a small stipend of $35,000 a year and is given a platform to promote poetry and literature through readings, appearances, and new projects (some have promoted African diaspora poetry, some have attempted to get poetry and fiction into places like airports and waiting rooms, some have encouraged early education)....