Canada.com reports the firing of a government scientist because he wouldn't refer to the government as "Canada's New Government."
We could also file this as just another battle in the war on plain language.
The scientist was fired from an unpaid emeritus position, and is appealing his dismissal.
Update: And he was reinstated.
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Wow. What a stupid thing to fire somebody for - a pissing match over plain language. Even for a pissing match this is pathetic.
I think "Blow it out your ass" would have been appropriate, though obviously dangerous for the career. I wonder what he said, exactly? I hate it when a detail is left out because it involved a "curse word" or it's not "politically correct."
Here's an update, Dr. Olikitch got his position back. It also quotes the so-called undiplomatic language:
http://www.nupge.ca/news_2006/n21se06a.htm
To even hint at this being evidence of some sort of "war on science" is just silly. It's got nothing to do with science at all.
"Bureaucratic overreaction" is a lot closer to the mark.
This may not be a full-blown war on science yet, but it has the potential to become the real deal. I was just complaining that these people follow me everywhere since the GOP gubanetorial candidate here in Michigan has been talking about getting creation back into the classroom. Now I'm applying for a job at the U of Alberta. Surely if I end up there the DI will declare Edmonton the new front in the international war on science. It's not paranoia if they're really following me.
Based on this incident? That's just wrong.
The "offending" comments had nothing to do with science and the reaction had nothing to do with science. The fact that it was a scientist who spoke up is absolutely irrelevant.
If it had happened in Canada Post, would the post have been headed, "War on Mail in Canada?"?
The concern is that scientific staff are being required to toe a political line.