Bush Science

      In a survey of Fish and Wildlife scientists, it has been uncovered that politics weighs over science. This really is no surprise considering the anti-science white house that we currently have. The survey was asked of scientists in 90 national offices were asked 42 questions. Some of the findings are alarming when it comes to entire studies being reversed for political or commercial purposes. The Fish and Wildlife Service is charged with determining which animals and plants should be placed on the endangered species list and designating areas where such species need to be protected. The results of their findings can determine which animals live or die, or if a logging company can log in a particular area. It is one of the most sacred departments of the government and is being manipulated as a political tool.

One scientist working in the Pacific region, which includes California, wrote: "I have been through the reversal of two listing decisions due to political pressure. Science was ignored — and worse, manipulated, to build a bogus rationale for reversal of these listing decisions."

More than 20% of survey responders reported they had been "directed to inappropriately exclude or alter technical information."

However, 69% said they had never been given such a directive. And, although more than half of the respondents said they had been ordered to alter findings to lessen protection of species, nearly 40% said they had never been required to do so.