Help save astronomy from the foolish hands of the British government

[Rosaline]

The British government, in their infinite wisdom, plan to correct financial mistakes by cutting back on many important resources and research projects for physics and astronomy.

If you're a British citizen, please sign this petition.

Some of the projects that are under threat include our access to northern hemisphere large optical telescopes, and a radio telescope array with a resolution comparable to Hubble.

Please pass on this message and let others know about this petition. Your MP would also be a good person to write to, find out how and do it online at this website.

More information can also be found at http://www.saveastronomy.co.uk

[godsdog]

I've been watching this unnecessary disaster unfold. Great post, worthy links.

[iranu]

This is what happens when the political "elite" are made up of lawyers, second rate teachers and trade union lackies. We can find billions for allsorts of naff causes yet when it comes to something worthwhile we can't find tuppence.

I love the way the one-eyed-porridge-wog carps on about wanting Britain to be a world leader in science yet can't provide the funds for something as important as this.

Petition signed and I'm gonna forward it too.

[roorooroo]

I agree..typical...signing it too.

[pollaxe]

Signed! I honestly don't know how useful petitions are (IIRC they're often treated as just one signature) but it's better to try to do something than just sit back and be cynical.

[capt_cornflake]

I agreee it's a disgrace.
Not sure it will make any difference, but signed anyway

[usxhe190]

won't make a difference but sign

[Fraz]

Yes - please please sign this. Myself and many of my friends are going to be out of a job in a few months if these cuts go through, not that this is really that important in the grander scheme of things.

From a particle physics point of view, one of the major consequences of this could be a complete collapse of the International Linear Collider project - the successor to the LHC. The UK are putting a lot of effort into this project, and without them the whole thing will probably get cancelled.

Large Particle Physics and Astronomy projects do at first glance appear to not offer the everyday man much for the money that governments spend on them, but the amount of technology spin-off is incredible. It's important to push boundaries, and everyone reaps the reward.

[Flibb]

I really cant understand what this useless bunch of money counters want to turn this country into.

signed

[Rosaline]

To be quite honest, I strongly suspect that the petition will not result in a major change of heart. I lost my faith in this government's response to petitions after the petition against per-mile road charges and the one against ID cards were both formally responded to by the government with "we don't care what you voters think, or even the science, we're doing it anyway, la~"

However, I do believe in hope, and I most certainly believe in democracy (or at least a republican system that approximates it). Petitions help to raise awareness of an issue, and help us show solidarity with those effected by this and those who are appalled by the decision.

It is better to try, and affect others through trying, than it is to not try at all. The ending of the poem 'Ulysses' springs to mind, the principle by which the enlightened must live...

One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

[SilentDeath]

not going to bother voting.. were they to take notice they would just make up the difference with more fuel tax.

[TiG]

To be quite honest, I strongly suspect that the petition will not result in a major change of heart. I lost my faith in this government's response to petitions after the petition against per-mile road charges and the one against ID cards were both formally responded to by the government with "we don't care what you voters think, or even the science, we're doing it anyway, la~"

However, I do believe in hope, and I most certainly believe in democracy (or at least a republican system that approximates it). Petitions help to raise awareness of an issue, and help us show solidarity with those effected by this and those who are appalled by the decision.

It is better to try, and affect others through trying, than it is to not try at all. The ending of the poem 'Ulysses' springs to mind, the principle by which the enlightened must live...

One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Great post. Signed.

Lets hope it does do some good.

TiG

[acrobat]

I believe in love, it's the best of everything
I believe in hope and the changes it can bring
If you believe then nothing can stand in your way
Just say, I believe

[greenalien]

Signed.

[JPreston]

the one-eyed-porridge-wog

WTF - how do you imagine for a second that that is acceptable language? Drop that in everyday conversation do you, maybe alongside 'brigadoon-coon', or other hilarious rib-ticklers? Have a word with yourself.

[Zak33]

I dont even understand it

Please edit it.Ta