It's really not all that unusual for political interests to twist scientific data in order to fit social and religious prejudices. The fact that it is not unusual does not change the fact, however, that it is always unfortunate to see it happen - especially when it is being done by the government. That is, at least, a charge being leveled against the Bush administration by leading Democrats.

The Washington Post quotes from a report compiled by the minority staff of the House Government Reform Committee's special investigations division:

"The Administration's political interference with science has led to misleading statements by the President, inaccurate responses to Congress, altered web sites, suppressed agency reports, erroneous international communications, and the gagging of scientists. The subjects involved span a broad range, but they share a common attribute: the beneficiaries of the scientific distortions are important supporters of the President, including social conservatives and powerful industry groups."

Scientists who abet these distortions commit one of the few "sins" in science and really don't deserve to be a part of any scientific research program. Such a person simply cannot be trusted either with original data or with the final conclusions.

Read More:

• What is Science?
• Science vs. Religion