Me? Ignore Science? Science Who?

Since this seems to be National Bash Bush Week, we thought we'd join in the fun and take a look at the Bush administration's record on science. In 2004 the Union of Concerned Scientists published a report entitled "Scientific Integrity in Policymaking: An Investigation into the Bush Administration's Misuse of Science." This report has been adapted for an online exhibit by Michael Douma and IDEA. It examines the Bushies' record of suppressing or doctoring research findings from federal agencies, particularly NOAA and the EPA, and selecting senior agency appointees on the basis of ideology and loyalty rather than their qualifications to comprehend and report on the science. According to the report, "William Ruckelshaus, the first EPA administrator under President Nixon, and his successor, Russell Train, have spoken out about the matter. Specifically, Ruckelshaus told the press, "Is the analysis flawed? That is a legitimate reason for not releasing [a science-based analysis]. But if you dont like the outcome that might result from the analysis, that is not a legitimate reason.'" Now if only someone would teach Bush how to pronounce "nuclear."