New Publishing Rules Restrict Scientists (at USGS) - AP

[Eugene]

New Publishing Rules Restrict Scientists


Wednesday December 13, 2006 10:01 PM

By JOHN HEILPRIN

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration is clamping down on scientists
at the U.S. Geological Survey, the latest agency subjected to controls
on research that might go against official policy.

New rules require screening of all facts and interpretations by agency
scientists who study everything from caribou mating to global warming.
The rules apply to all scientific papers and other public documents, even
minor reports or prepared talks, according to documents obtained by The
Associated Press.

-snip-

The new requirements state that the USGS's communications office must be
"alerted about information products containing high-visibility topics or topics
of a policy-sensitive nature."

The agency's director, Mark Myers, and its communications office also must
be told - prior to any submission for publication - "of findings or data that
may be especially newsworthy, have an impact on government policy, or
contradict previous public understanding to ensure that proper officials are
notified and that communication strategies are developed."

-snip-

Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6278597,00.html

Also USGS supervisors will oversee the peer review process and exchanges
between scientists.

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Does this have any connection to a certain cyclonic event which shall remain nameless?

Enquiring minds want to know.

[SpiralHawk]

2. "All your data are belong to us." - BushCo Cabal of Polluting Cronies

"So you data-based scientists can just shut up and sit down. We have selected the faith-based findings of our trusted christofascist propaganda puppies."

- Commander AWOL & republicon cronies

[JohnWxy]

3. and any scientist who leaks the truth can expect to get jabbed with poison tipped umbrella!

Orwell was off by about 20 years (what did he call it the "The Ministry of Truth"?), but he had it right (very Right).