310 - How Does Basic Science Defend America?

Three experts from different areas in the national defense establishment take turns offering perspectives on the importance of basic science for safeguarding our nation, especially in the absence of a large standing army.  People need to be trained for complex systems, and the technology has to be practical in warfare.   They worry that “anti-science,” in the form of religious fundamentalism and a growing misunderstanding about science, threatens the goodwill that has existed between the American public and the scientific community since World War II.  They all enthusiastically endorse greater funding for scientific research and proclaim our open, democratic society as our greatest defense of all.