The AP is reporting a further clampdown by the Bush administration on governmental science - in this case, within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). New rules require screening of all facts and interpretations by agency scientists:
The new requirements state that the USGS's communications office must be "alerted about information products containing high-visibility topics or topics of a policy-sensitive nature.''
The agency's director, Mark Myers, and its communications office also must be told -- prior to any submission for publication -- "of findings or data that may be especially newsworthy, have an impact on government policy, or contradict previous public understanding to ensure that proper officials are notified and that communication strategies are developed.''
Revere has more.
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The USGS has long had an internal review system with the objective of ensuring scientific validity of reports. Reports were not supposed to advocate particular actions or policies, which was reasonable. At a meeting the other day about getting one of my latest reports through review, it was brought to my attention that certain "homeland security" concerns need to be addressed if necessary; things like deleting locational information from maps showing sensitive water supplies and so forth. That's sort of reasonable as well. But what I read appears to suggest that scientific findings at odds with Administration policy may be subject to effective censure--something that is not at all in our nation's interest. The ghost of George Deutsch has returned.
The USGS has long had an internal review system with the objective of ensuring scientific validity of reports.
That's the thing. If there is already an effective review process in place then nothing needs to be modified. The modifications are purely for political purposes and providing Bush & Co. the power of censorship for objective (i.e, reality-based) evidence that contradicts administration policy. Bush is a disgrace to this country, the world and the human race.
Addendum: That last sentence is simple venting and should not be taken as topical to the specific subject but it's part in the formation of my overall opinion of Bush.