Although for most of my life I applied myself to physics as a career, I have developed an appreciation for the ways of politics. As an APS Congressional Fellow in the early '80s, I began thinking about how science and Congress can better work together. Two Cultures - Science and Politics Scientists and politicians often seem to come from two separate worlds. In politics it often seems that perceptions are facts, and facts are negotiable. Congress is not designed to arrive at the truth, but instead to find the best balance.
Science is the pursuit of the facts, wherever they lead-politics is a balance of interests.
Congress is actually very effective at representing society at large. Members of Congress have the same hopes, fears, and prejudices as their constituents. Like most people, Members of Congress make decisions based on what they see and feel personally. It is up to scientists to help Congress and the public understand the importance of their research. Members of Congress know that science is valuable, but to some extent they're not sure why.