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Originally posted by Hal9000
I've been hearing this for a while, and it hasn't happened yet. But this should still be a concern, because soon all the jobs left will be high tech. I say we need fewer lawyers and more teachers.
as posted by Aelita
b) Being a science powerhouse is a big part of what makes America unique. So I decline to consider this unimportant.
Originally posted by mbkennel
It's true that in secondary schools (high school) the average knowledge of Americans in science and math is woefully low.
But that doesn't matter for economic development. What matters there is the performance and abilities of top graduates from high level universities, some at top undergraduate institutions, and otherwise MS and PhD's at top graduate schools.
There is no shortage whatsoever of scientists and engineers in the US. This can be seen by pure market forces: is there any significant increase in wages, like say nurses (where there is a real shortage)?
It is almost impossible to get back into science or engineering once you're out.
Yes, I have first hand knowledge. When you see the politicians and pundits saying how we have to improve science in high school for our future---call them on the irrelevant BS.
If there are good jobs---Americans will come.
Science should not be a fight for who's the best and who's the greatest. Mistakes can be easily made like that.
Originally posted by Leveller
Since when was the US the leader of science and innovation? Sure it has the money to take other people's ideas and make them reality but this sure doesn't make it a leader.
I hate to say it, but if anything, it makes it a parasite - feeding from other nation's creations.
Money doesn't make you the leader of science and innovation.
Without the guys creating the ideas your money is worth precisely jack.
Incidentally, last time I looked, most inventions still come from the UK.