Dear Dr. Tyson,
I've read your article titled "If I were president", where you state the problem with politics isn't with the electorate, but with the people who elect them. While I agree with this statement I would like to take things a bit further - I'll begin by quoting you. During an interview on Bill Maher's show you made an observation regarding the backgrounds of the current senators and congressmen that asked; "What profession do all of these people have in common? Law, Law, Law, Businessman, Law, Law". I would also like to include a quote from Albert Einstein " We can not solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them".
Your observation combined with Einstein's insights identify a serious and troubling issue that has been allowed to continue for too long. The current electorate does not posses the intellect to fix the problems that they have created. I'm not saying they're bad people, I simply believe they do not posses the skill set required to fix the issues. Today I reach out to you with a proposed solution. You have proven time and time again that you posses the knowledge and temperament to be a tremendous leader. You use scientific data to point out issues, without allowing your personal feelings or personal agenda to interfere. You also use your wealth of knowledge and intellect to offer solutions, again without personal prejudice. These are qualities needed in a leader. Let's face it Neil, whether or not you wanted it, you've become a public figure in the world of intellect and knowledge, and I believe it's time to put your position to better use. The time has come to put your intellect, ideas and advice to more rigorous testing, it's time for you to lead by example rather than educate from the sidelines. Neil De Grasse Tyson, I implore you to run for president of the United States. You are more than qualified for this position, if you'll allow me I'll explain.
I recently attended a lecture you gave in Hartford, CT. During this great presentation you touched upon a few ideas that blended science and society with a great historic lesson that spanned thousands of years. You gave examples of science and research expanding humanity in ways most people never knew, and also touched upon areas when science / research was shunned and the serious downfall that follows when world leaders ignore scientific facts. One area in particular was the correlation of each country's prosperity and global status was directly related to the amount of money they spend on science and innovation and other areas of research. The chart showed a once proud and prosperous United States that at one time was the global leader in multiple scientific arenas. The next few slides showed a declining U.S. that is now leading the bottom of the pack in all STEM areas. You then discussed all the reasons why the U.S. is failing and then gave great advice and ideas as to what could be done to fix these issues. You also mentioned that the United States is still a global influence, and that the problems we face are not solely an American problem but they are problems that affect the entire planet.
The United States is no longer driven by innovation or exploration. Capitalism and profit have become its values. We are currently being held hostage by corporations and powerful media organizations, whose only concern is financial gain, even at the expense of its people and, at the expense of the planet as a whole. The current system does nothing to unite the people, it doesn't even attempt it. You, on the other hand are spark of unity, and beacon of hope and real change. People from age 4 to 84 think you have what it takes to make a positive impact on a global scale. As I looked around the auditorium that night I saw people from all walks of life who were different in many ways but they all had one thing in common...they believe in you. You are the intellectual paradigm shift the world needs. You are the one who can inspire the people to become more scientifically literate, not only through Cosmos, books and lectures, but also leading by example and having a direct influence in helping to shape the future of the U.S. (and planet) through policies and scientifically based decisions that serve and inspire the people. The said it yourself, the U.S. has long been considered a global leader, what we do the rest of the world takes notice. There is more at stake than the current state of our country, planet earth needs you Neil.
It's time to be the change you speak about, it's time for you to spearhead the change we all are looking for. You've done tremendous work in educating, inspiring and bringing people together, but now it's time to take your skills to the next level. The world needs you to stand on a larger platform and show us there is another way, a better way, a more sustainable way. Normally a president will hire a scientific advisor - and then routinely ignore their advice. I dream of a day when we elect a scientific president that hires political advisors. I truly believe you are that president. Kennedy challenged us to go to the moon, but I believe you could take us even further.
Sincerely,
Phil Sagan Grace
