ourpresidents:

American Public Opinion Index taken after the Soviet launch of Sputnik

“The blame for our missile lag was attributed to the following, in order:

1.  Our schools have placed too little stress on science. (69%)

2.  We Americans have been too smug and complacent about our national strength.  (67%)

3.  There’s been too much rivalry between the Army, Navy and Air Force. (63%)

4.  We have failed to give scientists the salaries and recognition their importance deserves.  (61%)”

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched a satellite into orbit around the earth. The satellite was named Sputnik, Russian for “traveling companion.”

One month later, the Soviets launched Sputnik II, a satellite which carried a dog, Laika, into space.  The launch of the two satellites raised fears in America that Soviets could use the methods to launch nuclear weapons against the United States.  The Space Race had begun.

Give us the salaries we deserve today!

(via crookedindifference)