The Relationship Between Politics And Science (broadcast Friday, July 13th, 2007)

The head of the National Hurricane Center is out, put on leave this Monday following calls from employees at the center for his removal. Bill Proenza, the ousted director, had been quite vocal about what he saw as dangerous gaps in the center's capabilities, including the potential failure of an aging satellite used for forecasting. Also this week, Dr Richard Carmona, the former Surgeon General, accused the Bush Administration of pressuring him to censor or delay scientific reports that disagreed with the administration's policies. Is it war on science, or politics as usual? Join Ira Flatow on Science Friday for a conversation with Seed magazine's Chris Mooney about this week's events.