ABSTRACT
It is a truism — but nonetheless compelling — that, in the twentieth century, almost the twenty-first, science advice to the government is crucial. What is not so obvious is the form the advice should take, and how the advisors should be organized. It is also true that, for advice to be effective, it has to be wanted. Unwanted advice has sometimes had interesting consequences, particularly in the science field. Given the many scientific controversies which have swirled around the White House, and the seemingly unresolved questions still at issue, one has to ask if the exercise has made any difference. Congress and the President, in the long run, are reflections of the public that elect them. If the President does not want science advice, at least part of the reason is that the public does not see its importance.
