U.S. Scientists Say They Are Told to Alter Findings

Here is just one more example of our government’s merger with corporate interests depite all rational and ethical considerations.

In response to a survey done by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, more than 200 scientists employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service say they have been directed to alter official findings to lessen protections for plants and animals.

“Sally Stefferud, a biologist who retired in 2002 after 20 years with the agency, said Wednesday she was not surprised by the survey results, saying she had been ordered to change a finding on a biological opinion. “Political pressures influence the outcome of almost all the cases,” she said. “As a scientist, I would probably say you really can’t trust the science coming out of the agency.”

A biologist in Alaska wrote in response to the survey: “It is one thing for the department to dismiss our recommendations, it is quite another to be forced (under veiled threat of removal) to say something that is counter to our best professional judgment.”

All this is before anyone mangles and misrepresents their findings.