US scientists warned re discussing polar bears n warming

[Martin W]

As right wing ranters complain that global warming skeptics are being muzzled (yeah, right – that’s why so many books and articles etc etc etc pouring out! Real problem is, their science is wonky, boo hoo hoo), had reports on Bush administration trying to stifle or quieten scientists who know of warming troubles. James Hansen of NASA has been prominent case. Now this:

Quote:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Polar bears, sea ice and global warming are taboo subjects, at least in public, for some U.S. scientists attending meetings abroad, environmental groups and a top federal wildlife official said on Thursday. Environmental activists called this scientific censorship, which they said was in line with the Bush administration’s history of muzzling dissent over global climate change. … Listed as a "new requirement" for foreign travelers on U.S. government business, the memo says that requests for foreign travel "involving or potentially involving climate change, sea ice, and/or polar bears" require special handling, including notice of who will be the official spokesman for the trip. The Fish and Wildlife Service top officials need assurance that the spokesman, "the one responding to questions on these issues, particularly polar bears" understands the administration’s position on these topics. Two accompanying memos were offered as examples of these kinds of assurance. Both included the line that the traveler "understands the administration’s position on climate change, polar bears, and sea ice and will not be speaking on or responding to these issues."

"’Don’t discuss polar bears": memo to scientists

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