Was he complaining about this study as being an "earmark" ? I don't remember that particular complaint and of course support more funding for ecological research, but I don't think we should be supporting earmarks for ecological studies or for anything else!
> Dear Ecologgers- > I was very disappointed to hear presidential candidate Sen. John McCain > clearly state during the first nationally televised debate that a 3 > million dollar study on bear DNA in Montana was a waste of money. I do > not know which study he was referring to, but to me this statement makes > it very clear how much McCain values ecological research. The government > spent 2,730 billion dollars in 2007. The 3 million dollar study accounted > for about 0.0001% of the total spending. It seems that if the pittance > spent on ecological research (relative to total spending) is reduced in > this country, our natural systems will continue to go misunderstood or > unknown, to the detriment of our citizens. > > If the PI's of the study mentioned care to express their concern, and the > scientific value of the study, I would be happy to support and encourage a > petition to Sen. McCain concerning the value of ecological research. If > the PI's used part of the money to buy a Hummer to cruise the Montana > backcountry, I would agree with Sen. McCain. > > Sincerely, > Matthew Warren > > > > > >
