The Case of the Drowned Polar Bears

[TerryM]

The case against Dr. Charles Monnett, who had the audacity to write about observing drowned polar bears, may not yet over.

“Upon completion of my review, I have no findings of violations of the DOI Policy on Scientific and Scholarly Integrity [citation omitted] that would merit a further review of this case…I consider this matter closed.”

Despite this second turn-down, the case remains in an open status while the “office is evaluating the response from the bureau,” according to an IG official in a February 8, 2013 email.

I'm finding Obama's actions regarding the dissemination of information to be every bit as misguided as his predecessor's. If scientists are unable to report their findings even in peer reviewed literature, what sense does it make to do the research in the first place.

http://www.peer.org/news/news-releases/2013/02/14/drowned-polar-bear-paper-vindicated-%E2%80%93-again/

Aaron Swartz died rather than face prison for a victimless non crime that was never committed. Charles Monnett fought and won what may be a pyrrhic victory and every Canadian scientist (and apparently now their corroborators), need's to have the government sign off on their communications

http://planet3.org/2013/01/15/aaron-swartz/

http://sciencewriters.ca/initiatives/muzzling_canadian_federal_scientists/

Academic freedom may be an early victim in the Climate Change Wars.

Terry

[Neven]

Perhaps it would be a good thing, as it will sooner or later lead to academic resistance. If governments want to throw that boomerang, by all means let them.

[TerryM]

Perhaps it would be a good thing, as it will sooner or later lead to academic resistance. If governments want to throw that boomerang, by all means let them.

I don't share your optimism. Universities depend on government grants. Profs may be bold intellectually, but few are independently wealthy.

A strong signal from the government that information must not be disseminated & we'll all be marching toward the cliff wearing blinders.

Terry

[TerryM]

An interesting article about Obama requiring government scientists to release all work freely within a year after journal publication.

Unfortunately the full story is pay walled 

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/339/6123/1021.short

Terry