Ideology trumps science, critics say

[UpInArms]

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/8124500.htm

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BOSTON — Two scientists from President Bush's top advisory board on cutting-edge medical research have published a detailed criticism of the board's reports.

They accused the board of skewing scientific facts in service of a political and ideological cause.

<snip>

Although the council is supposed to provide impartial advice to Bush, one of the scientists said that its reports seemed to be driven by a previously existing agenda and did not accurately portray the scientific underpinnings of the ethical issues the council was grappling with.

<snip>

Their critique was published online Friday by the journal PLoS Biology. It adds to growing criticism from scientists that the Bush administration is manipulating the scientific advice it receives on politically charged issues, ranging from climate change to mercury contamination.

...more...

[54anickel]

1. Much like the intelligence on Iraq "only tell me what I want to hear" n/t

[pinto]

2. "previously existing agenda" and "skewing...facts in service of an...

idealogical cause" are the two key points.

Bushco is consistent in this practice across the spectrum of its influence, whether it be foreign policy, domestic energy policy, social policy, budget policy, environmental policy...you name it.

The means, and the facts, are secondary to a "preordained" end. There is no debate, there is only manipulation of events to further those ends. That is the real crime this administration has brought to our democracy.

[54anickel]

3. Yes, the last 2 paragraphs say a lot -

Their critique was published online Friday by the journal PLoS Biology. It adds to growing criticism from scientists that the Bush administration is manipulating the scientific advice it receives on politically charged issues, ranging from climate change to mercury contamination.

Last month, the Union of Concerned Scientists issued a statement, signed by more that 60 Nobel laureates, that alleged the administration has manipulated scientific findings to a degree unprecedented in recent White House history.