Science suggests the climate is changing because of human behavior. If this is true, it is imperative that the human race do everything we can to address our effects on the climate. The earth will do just fine without the human race. The only way that we can remain a part of earth's ecosystem is if we take responsibility for our collective effect on earth's climate.

The late astronomer Carl Sagan said, "We have built a society dependent on science and technology, but are structuring our educational system so that almost no one understands science and technology. This is a recipe for disaster". Do you agree, or disagree, and why?

I want to know what epistemology the candidates subscribe to. When a candidate says that he knows something, or states a fact, I'd like to have a general idea about how he knows those things. Was it a voice in his head, a gut feeling, a reasoned position, or what?

What is the best way to reduce population. Reducing population and birth control is different. We fund research on keeping people alive, anti-aging, etc. On the other hand, we all agree Earth is over populated.

NASA is a major research arm of the government. Research and development lead to advancements, innovation, and new technologies. Considering these benefits, why does the government continually cut NASA's budget?

What then does it take for you to believe in a scientific theory? We all know that Romney and Santorum will tell you that they do believe in some scientific theories. So we need to know which ones, and why they do believe in them.

How long can America continue to neglect its families? Studies on genomic imprinting and maternal-fetal development show maternal lifestyle may predispose increased risk of obesity, diabetes and other conditions. In a society with increased obesity and related cancer, diabetes, heart health issues, can we continue to neglect these studies. Women take short term disability to be with their newborn and often go back to work sooner than one would separate a dog and her pups. Scientific evidence show these bonds are critical.

There are anti-science bills introduced and reintroduced every year, wasting time, money, and people's energy just to avoid pushing education back to the dark ages.

A simple mathematical exercise will show that a steady growth of just 3.5% will cause a doubling effect in just 20 years.
example: a 3.5 % per year steady growth in oil consumption will result in more oil being used in 20 years than in all of previous history!

Surely you recognize the importance of this transition.

Science has been increasingly under attack from a number of members of congress in recent years. Do you believe legislative decisions should be based on sound science or political ideology?

Is publicly funded research a costly necessary evil, or does it have a record of positive returns to GDP?

On what issues would you go to the scientific community for advice on decision making?

1. Capturing or killing the next leader of al-Quada; 2. Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear capability in the next 5 years - by war if necessary; or 3. Ensuring US leadership in science and technology for the next generation?

How can Americans understand genetic tests if genetics and evolution are poorly (or incompletely) taught in schools. The cost of sequencing the human genome will be less than $1,000 by the end of 2012 and the price is likely to continue to fall. Within 10 years, genome sequencing and numerous genetic tests will be available to patients. Already companies like 23 and me and other companies provide estimates of disease/traits based on genome sequence.

For instance, we have mathematical methods that would be impartial in making redistricting changes, to prevent gerrymandering. Another example is using statistics in election reform, if a race is closer than the accuracy of the vote counting, then clauses should be implemented to account for this, rather than a recount.