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Scientists Boycott NASA Conference Because of Ban On Chinese Participants

New submitter Eunuchswear writes "Congress has passed laws forbidding NASA from allowing Chinese nationals on its premises, so NASA was forced to reject applications from Chinese scientists to attend the upcoming meeting on the Kepler space telescope next month. This ban extends even to Chinese scientists and students working in the USA, angering many American scientists. Geoff Marcy, known for his work on exoplanets, is reported to be boycotting the conference. 'In good conscience, I cannot attend a meeting that discriminates in this way. The meeting is about planets located trillions of miles away, with no national security implications.' he said in an email to the conference organisers."

4 of 283 comments (clear)

  1. Due to Frank Wolf by mbone · · Score: 5, Informative

    This is the responsibility of Frank Wolf, R-VA, of the Virginia 10th District. If you should live in the 10th District (in N. Virginia), contact him and let him know what you think about this.

    I have met him several times, but have no idea what he really thinks he is accomplishing here.

  2. Re: As usual for the media by FunPika · · Score: 4, Informative

    Depends on how much of Congress passed it, if it was somehow bipartisan enough to get a veto-proof majority (which has a snowball's chance in hell of happening on any bill with this Congress) then Obama can't do shit. I can't find the law in question in TFA though so I can't figure out how many votes it got. Chances are he did in fact agree with the law and sign it, but just noting there is a way for Congress to pass a law that the President is against.

    --
    After years of not using a signature, I am going to make one to say the following: Fuck Beta
  3. Re: As usual for the media by FunPika · · Score: 5, Informative
    --
    After years of not using a signature, I am going to make one to say the following: Fuck Beta
  4. Re:As usual for the media by Pino+Grigio · · Score: 5, Informative

    It's more to do with the fact that China is running massive corporate, scientific, industrial and military espionage operations against the West, particularly the US (but Europe is also badly affected). I wouldn't let the Chinese within 10 miles of the place.