Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.”  Thomas Jefferson wrote this with great hope as he and the founders crafted the new Republic. But we have a huge problem in modern America because the value placed in science is losing its cachet. Politicians are ignoring or disputing the policy impacts that science is suggesting. 

The challenges to our society are growing more dire as climate change and evolution denialism are badges of honor worn by many current potential presidential candidates, and in the meantime growing numbers of people are refusing to vaccinate themselves and their children against diseases for fear of a non-existent tie between vaccines and autism.

The United States has given up its leadership role in science and technology, and Shawn  Lawrence Otto has been working to restore science to its rightful role of informing public policy. As one of the founders of the Science Debate 2008 program to urge the candidates in that presidential race, he has been analyzing the situation and proposing solutions that may save us all yet.  

Mr. Otto will be our guest speaker on Sunday, 15 January, to discuss his new book Fool Me Twice and the efforts that all of us can make to rebuild respect for science in a country that is in danger of receding into the Dark Ages. He will have copies for you to purchase and will happily sign them for you.

As a reminder, the business meeting will include nominations to the Board of Directors. Please join us!

If You Go...

When:
Sunday, January 15, 2012

Where:
Southdale Library
7001 York Avenue South
Edina, 55435

Schedule:
1:00-1:15 p.m. – Social time
1:15-1:45 p.m. – Business Meeting
1:45-2:00 p.m. – Break
2:00-3:30 p.m. – Presentation
4:00-whenever – Dinner