Obama's War on Science, continued
We all recall that President Obama pledged to "restore science to its rightful place." Apparently, the "rightful place" is swept under the rug. Consider press coverage of draft reports from the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling.
The AP reports:
The Obama administration blocked efforts by government scientists to tell the public just how bad the Gulf oil spill could become and committed other missteps that raised questions about its competence and candor during the crisis, according to a commission appointed by the president to investigate the disaster. . .
Citing interviews with government officials, the report reveals that in late April or early May, the White House budget office denied a request from NOAA to make public its worst-case estimate of how much oil could spew from the blown-out well. . . . [emphasis mine]
Even the New York Times is reporting this one, although it's relegated to the Science Section. Does anybody doubt that if this were the Bush Administration, the story would be Page 1, above-the-fold?
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Aug '10
Re: Obama's War on Science, continued
No doubt, Adam, two years ago the Times would have written a banner headline: 'Bush-Cheney-Haliburton Caught In Massive Web of Lies; Environmental Devastation, Payoffs, and Deliberate Deception', all above-the-fold.
Anyone remember Hillary triumphantly announcing after the election in '92, "Our administration will be the most ethical administration in American history!"
Or Nancy Pelosi claiming the same thing and adding, "We'll drain the D.C. swamp!"
The louder and more fervent the promises, the greater the likelihood they will be broken or violated in the worst ways.
May '10
Re: Obama's War on Science, continued
Actually, the "rightful place" is "in support of our initiatives and policies". On this point the Democrats have been quite consistent. They feel the same way about foreign intelligence and economic forecasts.
If it conflicts with the narrative then it must be flawed.
Though I expect that most Democrats recognize this as the cynical political posturing that it is (and Republicans are not immune), there are a bunch in the current White House, including the top guy, who seem to be true-believers, trusting the political storyline over facts and science. Frightening, eh?
Jul '10
Re: Obama's War on Science, continued
Page 1, above-the-fold, with full colors pictures of dolphins and baby seals covered in oil (taken from the Exxon Valdez).