Killing the messenger

One more time, with gusto: "There's a debate over whether it's manmade or naturally caused." So said Bush Jr. the other day. As Chris "Intersection" Mooney, noted, the only "debate" over the causes of climate change is taking place in Bush's mind. Meanwhile, however, there are very real consequences to the way the science of climate change is being conducted. Word just came down that

"the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville [NC] would face cuts in services and layoffs under a budget proposal headed for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives, officials with the center warn.

You probably haven't heard of the National Climatic Data Center. It's not as high-profile as the Colorado gang, or the Hadley group in the U.K. And not a lot of original research goes on there.

But the NCDC is "the world's largest collection of climate data and information, which often is used for monitoring long-term trends that might harm lives and property and the nation's environmental, national, homeland and economic security."

They just had to include a reference to homeland security, didn't they? I know. Politics. But now it looks like even that craven description isn't doing the trick. According to the Asheville Citizen Times, from where that description comes:

A House budget proposal gives the data center $13.3 million, which is $3.9 million less than was requested and $1.2 million less than its budget from the previous fiscal year.

Without changes, the center would be forced to lay off some of its 100 contract scientists and workers and limit hours in which they can help 50,000 clients with questions, said Tom Karl, the center's director.

It's biggest client is its boss, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Call me crazy, but slashing a budget is no way to settle a debate. Even an imaginary one.