Leading U.S. Scientists Condemn White House Censorship and Distortion of Science Data

Interview with Dr. Kurt Gottfried, chairman of the Union of Concerned Scientists, conducted by Scott Harris

In a statement signed by more than 60 prominent scientists -- including 20 Nobel laureates -- leading medical experts, former heads of government agencies and presidents of universities condemned the Bush administration for suppressing and distorting scientific analysis and taking actions which have undermined the quality of scientific advisory panels. Russell Train, who served as head of the Environmental Protection Agency under Republican presidents Nixon and Ford, was among the endorsers. The declaration, and an accompanying report titled "Scientific Integrity in Policymaking," was issued by the Union of Concerned Scientists on Feb. 18.

The signers of the statement maintain that the administration has employed censorship, and manipulated data in areas such as air pollution, climate change and the control of toxic substances in pursuit of partisan political gain. Allegations that scientists working at several federal agencies have been subjected to political interference in their research are examined in the report.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Dr. Kurt Gottfried, emeritus professor of physics at Cornell University and chairman of the Union of Concerned Scientists board of directors. Dr. Gottfried summarizes the scientist's critique of the White House handling of science issues and their call for congressional hearings to investigate their charges.

To obtain a copy of the group's statement and report, contact the Union of Concerned Scientists at (617) 547-5552 or visit their website at www.ucsusa.org

Related links:

"Preeminent Scientists Protest Bush Administration's Misuse of Science," Nobel Laureates, National Medal of Science Recipients and Other Leading Researchers Call for End to Scientific Abuses, Union of Concerned Scientists, Feb. 18, 2004

"Lies About War, Economics, Science: President's Lies Are Never-Ending," by Bill Gallagher, Niagara Falls Reporter

"Now the Pentagon Tells Bush: Climate Change Will Destroy Us," by Mark Townsend and Paul Harris, The Observer, Feb. 22, 2004

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"Between The Lines" is a half-hour syndicated radio news magazine that each week features a summary of under-reported news stories and interviews with activists and journalists who offer progressive perspectives on international, national and regional political, economic and social issues. Because "Between The Lines" is independent of all publications, media networks or political parties, we are able to bring a diversity of voices to the airwaves generally ignored or marginalized by the major media. For more information on this week's topics and to check out our text archive listing topics and guests presented in previous programs visit: http://www.btlonline.org

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