"Scientists are deeply concerned about the future of science education in the U.S., but not science education in general. It seems pretty obvious that the U.S. will not be a leader in science in the next 20 years."
Yes, well they said that 20 years ago too. Science is tied to the economy, medicine and defense so we have allies.
They said it forty years ago as well. But things have changed.
A) Public education is falling apart and under attack.
B) Companies have cut back on R&D and basic research of the type that used to be done by Bell Labs.
C) There is the general idea in the air that science is in conflict with religion.
D)And the most controversial reason. It doesn't matter whether ID is right, wrong or indifferent. The debate is fairly meaningless. However, the debate serves to taint not only American scientists, but also school districts. Do you think those schools that teach ID will be able to attract quality science teachers? Don't you think that top universities who see good performing students apply from those schools will be prejudiced against them, just a little?
I promise you -- the ID debate and denigration of scientists is not going on in China, India or any of the other countries where science is increasingly prized. They send their top students to our top universities where they apply their noses to the grindstone and then return to work for companies in those countries.