To the Point
The Surgeon General and the Role of Science in National Policy
From global warming to stem-cell research and sex education, opponents charge that the Bush Administration has twisted science to suit its political agenda. The battle over President Bush's nominee for Surgeon General has raised the issue again. Also, President Bush on US progress in Iraq, and exposing a major hole in the government's security system. Jim Sterngold guest hosts.
By Jim Sterngold • • 1h 0m ListenFrom global warming to stem-cell research and sex education, opponents charge that the Bush Administration has twisted science to suit its political agenda. Supporters argue that elected leaders have the right to put their own ideas first. The battle over President Bush's nominee for Surgeon General has raised the issue again. We learn how science is used in Washington and whether ideology and policy can always be reconciled. Also, President Bush on US progress in Iraq. On Reporter's Notebook, is the federal government really protecting Americans from nuclear attacks? Jim Sterngold guest hosts.
Photo: Amanda White
In this episode
3 storiesPresident Pushes Back against Iraq Progress Report
President Bush delivered to Congress today his latest assessment of US progress in Iraq. At a combative press conference, the President said he would stick with the military surge in spite of polls showing that Americans have lost faith in the war effort.
Read the story6 minIs Ideology Trumping Science in the Bush White House?
More than a decade ago, Dr. James Holsinger wrote a paper for the Methodist Church claiming that gay-male sex was inherently unsafe. Now President Bush has nominated him to become the country's leading doctor .
Read the story34 minBogus Firm Gets Nuclear License in Sting Operation
The General Accounting Office launched an uncover operation to see if some agents could buy radioactive materials using forged documents. They succeeded, exposing a major hole in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 's security system. If this is all that stands between Americans and a dirty bomb attack, how safe are we?
Read the story9 min