Someone please lock up Auntie Beeb in the cellar

The BBC has been touting this “killing of science” tale which isn’t panning out in the least. Their theory is that medical science and science in general is being snuffed by visa requirements put in place by the US after 9-11. I guess they think that it’s the US’ obligation to produce much of the advanced science in the world, and if anyone dies of an exotic disease for which there is no cure yet, then it must George Bush’s fault. They repeated an awful and fact free documentary, put it online, and are spreading it around wherever they can for maximum guilt-tripping.

I only exaggerate somewhat. They were pretty clear in their assertion that some sort of imagined stifling of science will kill people worldwide. Hardly! I though the US was so greedy that they didn’t help any soul to begin with.

Their assertion falls apart everywhere you look:

“PoliSci: Scientists still prefer U.S.
By DEE ANN DIVIS, Senior Science & Technology Editor
WASHINGTON, March 14 (UPI) -- Some of the largest booths on the exhibit floor at the recent annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science were hosted by European organizations touting their research and employment opportunities.
Recruiters working on both sides of the Atlantic, however, say Europe has a long way to go before it can overcome legal, business and cultural problems that hamstring its efforts to attract scientists and continue to drive the brightest European minds to the United States and elsewhere.”

If it’s such a big deal, why don’t they just do some freakin' science already? As it is 5% of the world’s population is getting 42% of the Nobel prizes, even though they’re being judged largely by Europeans.

EUvians: get off the pot already!