On the Summers' resignation and the role of gov't in science:
Summers merely pointed out at a faculty meeting that maybe, just maybe, the reason there aren't as many women as men in the sciences is because there are fundamental differences between men and women. Apparently, Harvard faculty chose to close their eyes, ignore the research and cling to the belief that women are discriminated against in science. They demanded an apology from Summers for citing some research which might indicate their deeply held personal beliefs were incorrect. What a bunch of idiots.
Second, since the majority of research money comes from the gov't, why shouldn't it dictate or regulate where and to whom that money goes? It already does with the current NIH review system, which is why some projects get funded and others don't. I don't know if this is the best system for funding public research; another option is one in which every project gets funded (regardless of rationale, success rates, etc).
Finally, why is research into genetic differences between men, women and analytical reasoning faculties not worthwhile science? It seems to me that is a fascinating area with the potential to explain how human brains work with regard to the ability to reason. Sure it's obvious that there are difference between men and women but no one knows why some are Stephen Hawkings and Einsteins while others are Britney Spears (to look at the extremes).
