More than 60 distinguished scientists, including 20 Nobel laureates, blasted the Bush administration last week for suppressing and distorting scientific information that does not support its predetermined agenda.

Yet another economic projection by the administration is falling short – and in record time. Just a couple weeks after the publication of the Economic Report of the President, which forecasted 3.8 million* new jobs would be created in 2004, administration officials appears to be backing off the job estimates. The forecast was for 320,000 new jobs every month – a number most observers agree is exceptionally high. Job growth has not reached even half this level in any month over the past three years, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) understated the risks of mad cow disease and misled the public, according to a bipartisan investigation by the House Government Reform Committee. At issue is whether the cow that recently tested positive for the disease in Washington state was a “downer,” meaning that it was unable to walk. Contrary to the USDA’s contention, three eyewitnesses say that the cow was able to walk and did not appear to be sick at all.

President Bush’s FY 2005 budget proposal includes several tax incentives to encourage charitable giving accompanied by several requirements that will limit taxpayer deductions.