Department of Homeland Security, and Science and Technology Policy and Essay

Department of Homeland Security, and Science and Technology Policy and Politics - Essay Example Science is about the search for objective evidence that would support successful predictions about the world around us; while politics is about governing based on the public's acceptance of the legitimacy and accountability of elected officials. On the other hand, in the U.S. democracy, science and politics are uniquely dependent on one another, although the relationship has never been an easy one. The search for truth in science and for legitimacy in politics both require systems for generating public trust, but these systems are not the same, and indeed they are often incompatible. (Branscomb, Oct. 14, 2006) The need for both to be acceptable in the society entails great deal of issues that are needed to be resolved to attain the same goal of achieving strength and concord for the community. The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security has created several issues about its yet another political dogma that might eventually become another burden of the federal government that will threaten the US community. Although science and technology has an unlimited capacity in preserving peace and stability of a nation, the need for a government and public support is an integral part in its utmost success. Even the most basic research requires financial assistance from the government such that it may be able to provide an incomparable assistance to the society. This irrefutable fact, on the other hand, provides restrictions in its competence of granting both practical and cultural value to society. (Branscomb, Oct. 14, 2006) Moreover, yet other factors that concerns public policy affect the various accomplishments that may have been attained by science and technology. Foreign policies that promote or limit collaborations of scientists worldwide may prevent new and innovative ideas to launch. The educational system that may train and develop the new breed of scientists in the future provides a very limited if not anything at all. The achievement of these goals of science and technology depends on new scientific institutions and facilities that would define the leading-edge capabilities of science. Finally, scientists, like other citizens, do care about how society uses the knowledge their research creates. In addition, for this reason, a great number of citizens are happy to serve on advisory committees even without financial compensation. (Branscomb, Oct. 14, 2006) Scientists have often opposed the government although they have been accepting federal funding. The federal government perceives them as insufficiently grateful of their assistance for which these scientists overly contesting the government policies. Regardless of the situation, the government could not ignore the fact that science and technology and the people behind its research and implementation are a significant factor in attaining the nation's goals. Politicians still rely on the competent, objective, and useful science advices of the scientists such that in most cases, they are incapable of instigating the different functions of the government agencies that requires sound technical advices. (Branscomb, Oct. 14, 2006) The Department of Homeland Security and Science and Technology Policy And Politics in the US Safeguarding the nation has turned out to be the main concern of the US federal