From: UFO UpDates - Toronto <ufoupdates.nul>
Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:47:27 -0500
Fwd Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:47:27 -0500
Subject: US Scientists Reject Interference




Source: BBC News - London, UK

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6178213.stm

Thursday, 14 December 2006


US Scientists Reject Interference

By Jonathan Amos
Science reporter
BBC News, San Francisco


Some 10,000 US researchers have signed a statement protesting
about political interference in the scientific process.

The statement, which includes the backing of 52 Nobel Laureates,
demands a restoration of scientific integrity in government
policy.

According to the American Union of Concerned Scientists, data is
being misrepresented for political reasons.

It claims scientists working for federal agencies have been
asked to change data to fit policy initiatives.

The Union has released an "A to Z" guide that it says documents
dozens of recent allegations involving censorship and political
interference in federal science, covering issues ranging from
global warming to sex education.

Campaigners say that in recent years the White House has been
able to censor the work of agencies like the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration because a
Republican congress has been loath to stand up for scientific
integrity.

"It's very difficult to make good public policy without good
science, and it's even harder to make good public policy with
bad science," said Dr Peter Gleick, president of the Pacific
Institute for Studies in Development, Environment and Security.

"In the last several years, we've seen an increase in both the
misuse of science and I would say an increase of bad science in
a number of very important issues; for example, in global
climate change, international peace and security, and water
resources."

The statement was released at the American Geophysical Union's
Fall Meeting. It is an annual gathering of Earth scientists.

Last year, it triggered a major row when a discussion here
resulted in the renowned US space agency climate scientist Dr
James Hansen later claiming he had come under pressure not to
talk to the media on global warming issues.

Michael Halpern from the UCS said the statement of objection to
political interference had been supported by researchers
regardless of their political views.

"This science statement that has now been signed by the 10,000
scientists is signed by science advisers to both Republican and
Democratic administrations dating back to President Eisenhower,
stating that this is not business as usual and calling for this
practice to stop," he told BBC News.

The Union said is was hopeful that the new Congress taking
office in January would show a greater commitment to protecting
the integrity of the scientific process.

Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET.nul


[Thanks to 'The Norm' for the lead]