Photographic Collection From Okeanos Explorer: Exploring Puerto Rico’s Seamounts, Trenches, and Troughs

Are we really that different?

A brief examination of Puerto Rico's uniqueness.

This past season, Neil deGrasse Tyson brought us the remake of Carl Sagan's Cosmos.  I watched the whole season and I am now more resolute than ever.  While our socio-economic problems in Puerto Rico are incredibly complex, the only way forward is through the application of science and the scientific method.

Many in the community believe that Puerto Rico is an anomaly.  They are quick to dismiss scientific fact and excuse our aberrant behavior as justification for our uniqueness.  Fundamentally, they submit that Puerto Rico is different, and because it is different, then we are not able to learn anything from anywhere else that can help us grow our economy or improve our condition.

Just how different?

Let's assume for a moment, that Puerto Rico is different.  Then I ask, just how different are we?   Are we so different, that we are completely different?  If we are not completely different, then what do we share and with whom?  I think it's only human nature to believe that everything about our condition is unique.  But if we accept that, then it only follows that we share our humanity with the rest of the inhabitants of planet Earth.  Sure there are pockets of variation, our environments are different, our languages maybe different, but they are not wholly unique.

How are we the same?

Accepting that we are more alike the rest of the world, does not dismiss that Puerto Rico is a special place and that its' inhabitants are special as well. These are not mutually exclusive conclusions.  However, if we are to be honest, then we must admit the following:

• We are Homo Sapiens
• We live on Earth
• We have Taino, Spanish, African, and American origins
• We were a colony of Spain for nearly 400 years
• We speak Spanish
• We are an economic colony of the United States
• Et cetera, Et cetera, Et cetera...

As we enumerate all of the ways that we are the same, then we have to also accept the scientific implications of our similarities.  The scientific method shows us, that once something has been proven to be true,  it is no longer open to interpretation.  This is something we have Tyson to thank, for reminding us on Cosmos of the unwavering persistence of science.

Advancing Puerto Rico

As we struggle to break out of our economic down turn and reverse our condition, I continue to be confused by our resistance to use science to make improvements.  I reject the opinion that we accept the status quo; I reject that we actually prefer things the way they are.  Few parents want their children to live in a world worse off than the one they grew up in.  With a large portion of the population living below the poverty line, I reject that they want to remain there.

I can only hope that we can bring science to bear on our plight.  If we can find all the ways we share our situation with others, then we should be able to apply the rigors of science to show us what to do next.  If others are able to progress, then we must learn how to apply the same patterns they used, to force change.  We must not shrink from the difficult task of investigation.  We must continue to work to find the patterns that hide within our fear,s and expose them to the sunlight of scientific fact.

New Funding for Arecibo Observatory?

Back in 2006, the future of the Arecibo Observatory started looking pretty bleak. During meetings by the Astronomical Sciences Division of the National Science Foundation, a committee recommended that the enormous radio telescope should be closed. Their justification for the recommendation was that the combination of several facilities would allow them (NSF) to continue existing studies.

Of course, that set off a lot of political hand wringing here and many local politicians decided to acknowledge that we even had a telescope. There begin assorted whining and crying for additional funding, and there was even some discussion that local legislators would propose a bill to provide the necessary funding necessary to keep the facility operational.

More Dependence on Federal Funding

Recently, the House Science and Technology Committee unanimously passed legislation to reauthorize National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008. This bill includes a section directly addressing the future of the radio telescope:

Sec. 806. Arecibo Observatory.

Expresses Congress’ support for the use of the Arecibo Observatory for NASA-funded near-Earth object-related activities, and requires the Administrator to ensure the availability of the Arecibo Observatory’s planetary radar to support these activities until the National Academies review of NASA’s approach for the survey and deflection of near-Earth objects is completed.

This recommendation carries with it the realization of an additional $2 million in funding for the observatory starting with fiscal year 2009.

H.R. 6063, also authorizes appropriations for a wide variety of NASA’s activities – science, aeronautics, exploration, education, space operations, inspector general, and cross-agency support programs. In total the bill authorizes fiscal year 2009 funding for NASA of $20.21 billion.

Follow the Funding

While I'm ecstatic for this great news, I'm saddened by a larger truth that is right in front of our faces. It's like when your kids don't seem to notice that their bedroom (or the house) looks like pig sty. They casually step around the crap piled up on the floor, but never bend over and pick up anything.

How can we wonder why kids are losing interest in science? How can we wonder why our schools are losing their ability to produce world class scientists? How can we even ask these questions when the anticipated budget to continue the war in Iraq is $178 billion. What does that tell you about our priorities?

Even if you lumped in the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation with NASA, it wouldn't even come close to matching the money the Department of Defense receives. It's right there in front of us, folks. Yet, we remain ignorant and oblivious while we go to the mall, stare hypnotized at our televisions, and drink ourselves numb. What are you talking about Dad? I don't see any mess!