Crossposted from Survivor Left Blogistan.
Sometimes the simple act of a child gives rise to a stern warning from a concerned parent. Don’t eat with your mouth open. Don’t talk with your mouth full. Don’t run with scissors.
Once again, a federal agency has attempted to play the role of stern parent to its children/employees.
Washington, DC — Federal climate, weather and marine scientists will be subject to new restrictions as to what they can say to the media or in public, according to agency documents released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Under rules posted last week, these federal scientists must obtain agency pre-approval to speak or write, whether on or off-duty, concerning any scientific topic deemed “of official interest.”
On March 29, 2007, the Commerce Department posted a new administrative order governing “Public Communications.” This new order covers the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes the National Weather Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Commerce’s new order will become effective in 45 days and would repeal a more liberal “open science” policy adopted by NOAA on February 14, 2006.
Putting the lid on more talk of global warming apparently. Just ignore it and it will go away is now official policy.
PEER:
“This ridiculous gag order ignores the First Amendment and disrespects the world-renowned professionals who work within Commerce agencies,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch. “Under this policy, National Weather Service scientists can only give out name, rank, serial number and the temperature.”
Having experienced professionals subject to the authoritarian whims of politicians is highly damaging to both the effectiveness of those federal agencies and the goals of a healthy democracy. But in Bushworld, democracy has been left far behind and science is secondary to corporate profits.
to write out how little we would have progressed if we ignored new scientific knowledge. Or what might have happened if we used the Bible to explain everything.
And what’s the point in even persisting with all these restrictions; what’s the point of continually appointing regressive officials by recess appointment? Hasn’t enough been destroyed? How much further do we need to be set back?
And bush once talked of going to Mars. Was it going to be done on a Segway?
Reminds me of Maier’s Law:
In this case, if the facts are inconvenient for Bu$hCo’s bubble, silence them asap.
I love PEER. That organization, along with FSEEE (Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics) inspire my faith in gov’t workers.
Your diaries help me keep up with their news – which is too often bad. We have many public servants who are dedicated and honest, they deserve more public attention. Thanks boran.
Jeezuz, this is hugely important and very frightening. Again, the clock hands move closer to Fascism.
Just consider:
And now, the silencing of science voices who present the truth??
Maybe the Mayans had it right. God help us come 2012.