By Catherine Wolf, KWMU
St. Louis, MO –
A Washington University professor says President Obama will have to consider a range of scientific issues - from climate change to prescription drug regulation - during his four years in office.
Michael Friedlander is a physics professor. He told a group of St. Louisans today that Obama must have a knowledgeable staff of scientific advisors to guide his decision-making. Friedlander says Obama should choose advisors who are willing to voice opinions based on scientific findings, even if they're unpopular.
"You should not expect to have only people of one point of view. That's frankly the problem with the previous administration. They didn't want to have dissenting views. It's dangerous almost if you have people of only one persuasion."
Friedlander cites the Bush Administration's refusal to sign the Kyoto Treaty as an example of an ill-informed scientific decision. He says Obama's appointees thus far, including at least two Noble Peace Prize winners, are a step in the right direction.