Cure for cancer or cheaper gas?
"More Americans would rather have cheaper gas than a cure for cancer."
I just heard that on Channel 2, and sure enough, here's a Reuters story about a survey of 700 people -- Yeah, because 700 people is fair sampling of Americans -- that suggests that Americans would prefer more money be invested to solve the nations energy crisis than to cure cancer.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A nationwide survey of nearly 700 people suggests that Americans would prefer more money be invested in technology to solve the nation's energy ailments than to cure cancer or other diseases.
Some 37 percent of respondents to the poll, conducted by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority in Virginia, said they would rank spending to raise energy efficiency and develop alternative fuel technology a top priority for future investment. That compares with 30 percent who ranked more cash for medical breakthroughs as most important.
"I think it's a combination of things like high gas prices and the need for alternative fuels, but also things that are emotional like greenhouse effects, global warming and the need for reducing carbon emissions," said Gerald Gordon, chief executive of the FCEDA. Read more.