In Rick Santorum’s world, the culture of life apparently doesn’t extend to the scientific community.

The Republican presidential candidate told supporters in Greenville, South Carolina that it was a “wonderful thing” when scientists in Iran lose their lives.

“On occasion, scientists working on the nuclear program in Iran turn up dead,” he explained. “I think that’s a wonderful thing, candidly.”

The former Pennsylvania senator, who in January declared that life was a civil right, is also prepared to celebrate the death of scientists in other counties.

“I think we should send a very clear message that if you are scientist from Russia or North Korea or from Iran, and you are going to work on a nuclear program to develop a nuclear bomb for Iran, you are not safe.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta probably won’t find the candidate’s remarks very helpful while he is in South Korea this week seeking to end North Korea’s nuclear program.

“Here is hoping that Rick Santorum’s comments don’t get Leon Panetta kidnapped,” Business Insiders’ Michael Brendan Dougherty wrote.

Watch this video from Eeasly Patch, broadcast Oct. 25, 2011.

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