There is both good news and bad news in the flurry of reports describing the decline of American preeminence in science. More research anywhere creates more possibilities for innovation everywhere. The decline is not only relative. It is also absolute: American science is growing weaker. Low expectations, in turn, have led to a dearth of teachers. Because of the lack of trained Americans, urban school districts across the country must now rely on international recruitment and generous visa rules to find any high school math and science teachers at all. Similarities between the Catholic church and public schools? Fewer graduate students means less basic research, less innovation and ultimately fewer students. In the long term, everything from improved environmental protection to successful computer software start-ups depend on this country maintaining its commitment to the physical sciences. Starving Science | 
