Posthuman Blues

Panelists decry Bush science policies

"The voice of science is being stifled in the Bush administration, with fewer scientists heard in policy discussions and money for research and advanced training being cut, according to panelists at a national science meeting.

"Speakers at the national meeting of the American Association for Advancement of Science expressed concern Sunday that some scientists in key federal agencies are being ignored or even pressured to change study conclusions that don't support policy positions.

"The speakers also said that Bush's proposed 2005 federal budget is slashing spending for basic research and reducing investments in education designed to produce the nation's future scientists."

There's a definite (albeit deranged) logic to these decisions. After all, who needs "future scientists" when Armageddon is nigh? Plus, scientists have a certain manner of getting in the way when you're trying to promote absurdities such as Creationism.

In a way, you have to hand it to W -- he's thinking long-term.