Feb. 09, 2006 - 20:22 MST

YOU SAID IT

They don't have a column in our paper every day but when there is one, it is a dilly. Cokie and Steven V. Roberts of the United Feature Syndicate have common sense and integrity amongst their peers and far above and beyond most politicians I think, at least in my book they do. Today's column is a lulu and is quoted in full:

FOR BUSH, SCIENCE TOUGH

"President Bush talks a good game about science. HIs new budget proposal includes additional money to fund basic research, and train science and math teachers."

"But the president could use some instruction in scientific thinking himself."

" Too often, he takes a theological approach to problems, deciding what he believes before the facts are in and ignoring evidence that undermines his prejudices. That is the exact opposite of the scientific method."

"The latest example is the attempt to silence James E. Hansen, a highly respected researcher on climate change working for NASA. Hanesen's sin: he pointed out that rising tempoeratures are so dangerous they could create a "different planet." This is not what the White House wants to hear. It has long derided the whole concept of global warming and refused to participate in the Kyoto protocol aimed at limiting greenhouse gases. So NASA's public relations staff monitored Hansen's statements and kept him away from inquiring reporters. "They feel their job is to be this censor of information going out to the public," Hansen says."

"This prompted Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, a New York Republican, to write a letter warning NASA that, "good science cannot long persist in an atmosphere of intimidation." Bohlert's right, and the Hansen case is hardly an isloated incident. As the scientist told the The New York Times: "The problem is much broader and much deeper and it goes across agencies." The Union of Concerned Scientists had gathered signatures from more than 8,000 scientists protesting the Bush administration's approach. "There have always been isolated incidents where people have played politics with science," Francesca Grifo, director of the union's Scientific Intergrity Project, told Time magazine. "What's new is its pervasive and systematic nature." Many of the complaining scientists didn't vote for Bush, some are playiong politics themselves, and liberals can also deny evidence that contradicts their beliefs. One example: pro-choice disciples minimize medical advances that expand fetal viability and diminish the legitimacy and diminish the legitimacy of late-term abortions."

"But the president has the power and he's the one who's been abusing it. Take the issue of stem-cell research. While early experiments have been disappointing, many scientists still believe it holds enormous promise for aiding sufferers of diabetes, Parkinson's and other diseases."

Most of the research involves the destruction of human embryos, and act of murder to Bush's most conservative religious supporters. So the president bowed to those supporters, severly restricting federal research support. Even though scientists complain bitterly that their work is being undermined -- a claim reinforced by Sen. Bill Frist, the Republican leader and noted heart surgeon -- the president has refused to budge."

"Then there was Terry Schiavo, the Florida woman diagnosed by reoputable doctors as suffering from irreversible brain damage. Bush and his conservative allies refused to accept that medical finding and fought the decision by Schiavo's husband to remove her feeding tube and let her die. An autopsy proved conclusively that the original diagnosis was accurate."

"Bush is also at war with science on the subject of the universe's origin."

"While research data overwhelmingly supports the theory of evolution, the president says the idea of "intelligent design," an updated version of creationism, should also be taught in public schools. His view was forcefully rebuffed recently by a federal judge in Pennsylvania who ruled that "intelligent design" is purely a religious concept and has no place in a science class. Even the Vatican endorsed the judge's ruling."

"The president and his hardcore supporters and particularly squeamish on the subject of sex and science. Under pressure from religious conservatives, the Food and Drum Administration rejected the overwhelming opinion of its own scientists and barred the over-the-counter sale of Plan B, a "morning after" contraceptive."

"Religion, however, is not the administration's only motive for trashing good science. Big corporations, heavy contributors to the Republican Party. are the main reason for the administration's refusal to take global warming seriously."

"The nation's boardrooms are not exactly hotbeds for the support for the Endangered Species Act, either."

"This is all part of a disturbing pattern of stubborn ignorance. Remember, this president said that there was no wayo of anticipating the collapse of the New Orleans levees, when scientists for years had been warning about just such a catastrophe."

"We applaud the president's support for better research and more science teachers. He's right in saying that good science will enhance American competitiveness. But the core of the scientific method is to go where the facts lead you. And this president IS NOT ALL THAT INTERESTED IN FACTS."

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My only comment tonight ? A rousing cheer for those two folks who are so good at calling a spade a damn shovel. Cokie and Steven V. - - - - - YOU SAID IT . . . . . . . . . . .

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