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America's scientific stature is questioned when religious zealots are put into positions where they can dictate scientific policy. The recent loss of America's scientific credibility is due in part to this administration's appointment of non-scientists to positions of authority over scientific institutions and policy. In at least some cases these non-scientists have had complete disregard for scientific integrity and ethics. It is unconscionable to almost every scientist that another individual should arbitrarily censor their written works or publications. It is this blatant disregard for scientific ethics that is discussed in the media and it is the distortions and intentional misrepresentations that make others outside the US question the validity of a much broader body of our scientific works. We scientists need to make a very strong public statement regarding our displeasure with non-scientists setting scientific policy and altering scientific works with political or religious agendas. If we do not object then we become complicit to some degree with the distortions perpetrated upon our works. If we do not defend our works we can not require the same of others and so loose our leadership through loss of credibility.

To have right wing, evangelical Christians having the authority over this country's scientific works and state departments such as EPA, DOE, and scientific funding opportunities is like having the Amish running Radio Shack.