Back in the late 1990s, when he was chairman of the House Science Committee, Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) was a staunch critic of Russian involvement in the International Space Station, saying that their inclusion had failed to yield the promised cost savings and had delayed the overall effort. Sensenbrenner, who left the committee after the 2000 elections to chair the House Judiciary Committee, returned to the House Science and Technology Committee this year, and talks about some space policy issues in an interview in this week’s issue of The Space Review. Sensenbrenner still calls the Russian involvement in the ISS a “disaster”, but believes that there has to be some kind of international cooperation in NASA’s lunar exploration plans “because we can’t afford to do it alone”. Some other items:
“Sensenbrenner is skeptical of NASAâ€TMs role as an inspiration for youth to study math and science, saying instead the real problem is “a disconnection in math and science in education†at an early age.”
The problem isn’t a “disconnection” between math and science, the problem is that critical thinking skills aren’t taught. Honest people can disagree with the issues of the day, but without the right mental skills being taught you have a generation of people who simply decide issues based on which side has the better sound bite or buzzword. The first exposure to any kind of formal critical thinking I ever got was not until the military (surprisingly enough!) and in some college courses. Maybe some elementary and middle schools teach these skills, but not enough by a longshot.
He doesnâ€TMt know enough about Dr. Griffin? Isnâ€TMt that his fault? Doesnâ€TMt he have staff to bring him all the documents from the appointment hearings or 100 pages report on his eating habits? I think itâ€TMs a disaster when congressmen open their months before at least a little research but I donâ€TMt think that will change any time soon.
“a disconnection in math and science in educationâ€
A disconnection from what? The only thing disconnected from mathematics and science and the American public here is Sensenbrenner. I’m from Wisconsin. Among the intelligentsia of Wisconsin, Sensenbrenner is widely considered to be an scientific illiterate and an ignorant ass – a perfect representative of the general Wisconsin populace in the United States congress.
I suspect most other states have there own unique problems with this administration and congress.
Excuse my english, but here I must say my opion.
Mr. Sensenbrenner said the russian participation is a “disaster”. Where would the ISS be if the russians are not participating in the programm?
Who held ISS alive after the Columbia disaster?
One can only hope that such “cold warriors” are retired. Such policans are strengthen the opinion against the U.S. strategy in Europe. Such arrogance is breattaking.
Where would the ISS be if the russians are not participating in the programm?
If the Russians pulled in 1999, it would be without a Zvezda and four years late.