The Lie Was Bad Enough. The Real Problems Are Far Worse.

by tristero

It is good news that George Deutsch, the illiterate, fanatical nitwit who became a public embarassment to NASA was caught lying on his resume and resigned. Lying on your resume truly is a tacky, unethical thing to do and thanks are due to Nick at scientificactivist for his efforts at exposing Deutsch’s low character to the world.

It is not the main issue, however:

Yesterday, Dr. Hansen said that the questions about Mr. Deutsch’s credentials were important, but were a distraction from the broader issue of political control of scientific information.

“He’s only a bit player,” Dr. Hansen said of Mr. Deutsch. ” The problem is much broader and much deeper and it goes across agencies. That’s what I’m really concerned about.”

“On climate, the public has been misinformed and not informed,” he said. “The foundation of a democracy is an informed public, which obviously means an honestly informed public. That’s the big issue here.”

Indeed it is. And let’s be quite clear what that issue is. It’s not partisanship, although Bush has far exceeded any other president in politicizing science policy. It’s mis-informing and dis-informing the public that’s the problem. And the odious Deutsch is just an irritating mosquito. I’m glad he’s been swatted, but the scientific agencies are crawling with these pests, not only in pr but in positions that require serious decision making.

Let’s be clear about this. This is the kind of incompetent behavior that right wing ideologues, obsessed with ideology and appearance over reality, repeat again and again and again. And it has consequences.

Bush’s wholesale trashing of US science policy -climate change research is just one area- has the potential to lead to serious threats to our national security.

Note to Rightwingers: I suppose you noticed that the last two paragraphs were pretty partisan. But I am not to blame. It’s simply not my fault that the facts and their consequences favor reality over Bushism. That’s just the way it is, kids.

Reality-based science equals real national security. Bush’s faith-based science is an angel wing and a prayer. Your choice.