paleonet Politically Proactive Paleontologists

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OK folks, here is an opportunity for paleontologists to be politically 
proactive.  The Union of Concerned Scientists has issued a report citing the 
science unfriendly actions and policies of the Bush administration in the 
US.  The report documents the “suppression and distortion of research 
findings at federal agencies.”  Examples given, among others, are: 
distorting and suppressing climate change research and censoring information 
on air quality.  Other examples of questionable decision-making include 
industry influence on the lead poisoning prevention panel and a 
non-scientist appointed as a senior science advisor to the president.

I can hear the naysayers.  What does this have to do with paleontology?  As 
we have seen in the very recent past, evolution education is threatened in 
multiple states in the US.  Does the current mindset of the administration 
bode well for paleontology and evolution education?  While there is no 
current threat, their track record is certainly a cause of concern.  With 
the censoring of information on such “uncertain” topics as global warming, 
is it unreasonable to worry about the future of paleontology and evolution 
education?

I ask that you read the report issued by UCS.  If you agree with its 
findings and recommendations, you can electronically sign your name to the 
document.  The website also provides a means to e-mail your senator and 
representative in support of the report.  The url is: http://www.ucsusa.org/

John Huntley

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