Feds Silencing Scientists?

In yet another of the Bush administration's sneaky attempts to control the message that the public hears about matters involving science, the Bush gang has decided that all questions about Washington State salmon policy be fielded by political appointees, most of whom don't even live in this state. By using appointees, Bush can build up his crony train and spew whatever bullshit they want about the science behind our salmon situation.

You can imagine how surprised Brian Gorman is about this, given that he's been talking to reporters and the Washington public about salmon research and policy for the past ten years. The man's title is "NOAA Spokesperson" for the National Marine Fisheries Service for chrissake--what is he supposed to be speaking about now?

And just in case you think Seattlest is traipsing off in some loony conspiracy-theory-ridden sunset, by all means please check out this little ditty, also from the Seattle Times, detailing how the Supreme Court has "restricted the free-speech rights of the nation's 21 million public employees Tuesday, ruling the First Amendment does not protect them from being punished for complaining to managers about possible wrongdoing." The court was split 4-4 on this issue before Sandra Day O'Connor stepped down. This time, it passed 5-4. Who cast the deciding vote? Bush's new appointee, Judge Samuel Alito.