Trump bans E.P.A. and U.S. Department of Agriculture from communicating with the public.

[WVMade]

Unreal.

A University of Maine researcher issued a warning on social media that additional political attacks on scientists were coming.

“Please, stand up for science and the environment,” warned Jacquelyn Gill, a paleoecologist and biogeographer. “This is the emergency we were all worried about.”

The president signed executive orders Tuesday that cut off all new contracts and grants for the Environmental Protection Agency — and he also banned the agency’s employees from providing updates on social media or to journalists, the Associated Press reported.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent an email Monday morning, which was obtained by BuzzFeed News, prohibiting its employees from communicating with the public about their taxpayer-funded work.

Those “public-facing documents” include news releases, photos, fact sheets, news feeds and social media content, said Sharon Drumm, chief of staff of the Agricultural Research Service.

The U.S. Department of the Interior reportedly ordered employees to stop posting messages on government Twitter accounts after the National Park Service a post comparing the size of Trump’s inauguration with President Barack Obama’s in 2009.

Drumm’s message did not specifically refer to Trump, but the department’s scientists believe the order was a message from the administration.

The memo was vaguely worded enough that department officials aren’t sure whether scientists are allowed to publish studies in academic journals or present findings at conferences.

A Washington Post reporter also tweeted Tuesday afternoon that taxpayer-funded economists might also be forbidden from sharing their findings with the public without approval from the Trump administration.

Hearing the White House told Commerce staffers they can't publish anything without WH approval, including market research for US exporters.

— Danielle Paquette (@DPAQreport) January 24, 2017

 

[countryroads89_rivals]

This is headed for a violation of the First Amendment (assuming what I read is true). I would say the odds are greater of him being impeached than not. It will depend on how many Republicans in the Senate have the balls to say that they value what the Constitution actually says and means.

 

[atlkvb]

Unreal.

A University of Maine researcher issued a warning on social media that additional political attacks on scientists were coming.

“Please, stand up for science and the environment,” warned Jacquelyn Gill, a paleoecologist and biogeographer. “This is the emergency we were all worried about.”

The president signed executive orders Tuesday that cut off all new contracts and grants for the Environmental Protection Agency — and he also banned the agency’s employees from providing updates on social media or to journalists, the Associated Press reported.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent an email Monday morning, which was obtained by BuzzFeed News, prohibiting its employees from communicating with the public about their taxpayer-funded work.

Those “public-facing documents” include news releases, photos, fact sheets, news feeds and social media content, said Sharon Drumm, chief of staff of the Agricultural Research Service.

The U.S. Department of the Interior reportedly ordered employees to stop posting messages on government Twitter accounts after the National Park Service a post comparing the size of Trump’s inauguration with President Barack Obama’s in 2009.

Drumm’s message did not specifically refer to Trump, but the department’s scientists believe the order was a message from the administration.

The memo was vaguely worded enough that department officials aren’t sure whether scientists are allowed to publish studies in academic journals or present findings at conferences.

A Washington Post reporter also tweeted Tuesday afternoon that taxpayer-funded economists might also be forbidden from sharing their findings with the public without approval from the Trump administration.

Hearing the White House told Commerce staffers they can't publish anything without WH approval, including market research for US exporters.

— Danielle Paquette (@DPAQreport) January 24, 2017

Is he saying "no communication at all" or "no communication without prior approval"?

Big difference. One is an agency regulation which he is OK to order, the other is a violation of Free speech.

 

[WhiteTailEER]

How many executive orders is that already? In just a couple of days?

At this pace he'll pass Obama's total before his first year is up ... but it will be OK since it's Trump, even though it wasn't when it was Obama.

 

[countryroads89_rivals]

Is he saying "no communication at all" or "no communication without prior approval"?

Big difference. One is an agency regulation which he is OK to order, the other is a violation of Free speech.

And a potential violation of the freedom of the press.

 

[atlkvb]

And a potential violation of the freedom of the press.

Again, it depends on how or what he means by ordering "no communication"?

Even the article said the Professors aren't clear on that. He can't "ban" their collaboration. However he can restrict their activity related to any Federal agency work.

This is where we need clarification from more objective unbiased reporting so we can know exactly what this Executive order is saying or exactly what is allowed and what is not?

 

[WVMade]

Is he saying "no communication at all" or "no communication without prior approval"?

Big difference. One is an agency regulation which he is OK to order, the other is a violation of Free speech.

It's censorship and suppression no matter which it is. There's really not a difference considering they have been gagged and all new information comes through Trump.

 

[atlkvb]

It's censorship and suppression no matter which it is. There's really not a difference considering they have been gagged and all new information comes through Trump.

Not really. No different than placing embargoes on sensitive intelligence or withholding information from the public until certain sources are either confirmed or protected.

I don't want them being restricted to share data or information. However I have no problem with them being told to get clearance on anything they disseminate to the public on behalf of any Federal agency.

That's really SOP, or should be.

 

[WVMade]

Not really. No different than placing embargoes on sensitive intelligence or withholding information from the public until certain sources are either confirmed or protected.

I don't want them being restricted to share data or information. However I have no problem with them being told to get clearance on anything they disseminate to the public on behalf of any Federal agency.

That's really SOP, or should be.

Are you seriously implying that scientific research should be branded Top Secret or Confidential? The public has every right to know. This isn't "sensitive intelligence" that should be "confirmed or protected". Who is going to confirm a scientist's work? Trump and his cronies? That's the end result of this, and exactly what you are also promoting. That's insane.

 

[atlkvb]

Are you seriously implying that scientific research should be branded Top Secret or Confidential?

No of course not WVMade. I'm saying as a matter of policy he (Trump) can require them to get their published documents approved before issuing their findings as either policy or official Government agency information.

As I said I don't see him saying 'no collaboration' or 'no consultation' or 'no research'...just no official 'findings' or 'predictions' without prior clearance and/or approval. They do work for a Federal agency and he has a right to order how he wants their findings or work published or made public.

I'm not bothered by that.

 

[WVMade]

No of course not WVMade. I'm saying as a matter of policy he (Trump) can require them to get their published documents approved before issuing their findings as either policy or official Government agency information.

As I said I don't see him saying 'no collaboration' or 'no consultation' or 'no research'...just no official 'findings' or 'predictions' without prior clearance and/or approval. They do work for a Federal agency and he has a right to order how he wants their findings or work published or made public.

I'm not bothered by that.

There's a word for that.

censorship
ˈsensərSHip/
noun
noun: censorship

1. 1.
   the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.
   "the regulation imposes censorship on all media"

... but I'm guessing most Trumpets are fine with it. It's not like we didn't see this coming.

 

[atlkvb]

There's a word for that.

censorship
ˈsensərSHip/
noun
noun: censorship

1. 1.
   the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.
   "the regulation imposes censorship on all media"

... but I'm guessing most Trumpets are fine with it. It's not like we didn't see this coming.

Do you think Obama wanted us to know about the Bin Laden raid before they executed it?

What's the difference?

 

[WVMade]

Do you think Obama wanted us to know about the Bin Laden raid before they executed it?

What's the difference?

I got nothing. I mean if you don't see the extreme difference in those two comparisons then what's the point of arguing.

 

[atlkvb]

I got nothing. I mean if you don't see the extreme difference in those two comparisons then what's the point of arguing.

There is no argument on my part WVMade. If there's a difference in those two examples of requiring censorship of sensitive information deemed dangerous or potentially a threat to security
(from your definition) let's hear it?

I know you don't like Trump and that's probably why you don't like the requirement, but that doesn't mean it's anything out of the ordinary from the way most sensitive Federal information is handled.

 

[auggiewv]

Great for West Virginia...hope he blocks every bill Obama signed....

 

[atlkvb]

How many executive orders is that already? In just a couple of days?

At this pace he'll pass Obama's total before his first year is up ... but it will be OK since it's Trump, even though it wasn't when it was Obama.

We never knew when Obama did it, his transparency wasn't as transparent. Everything Trump is doing now is undoing what Obama's done.

 

[va87eer]

There is no argument on my part WVMade. If there's a difference in those two examples of requiring censorship of sensitive information deemed dangerous or potentially a threat to security
(from your definition) let's hear it?

I know you don't like Trump and that's probably why you don't like the requirement, but that doesn't mean it's anything out of the ordinary from the way most sensitive Federal information is handled.

The government already has a classification system to manage that, although some (ahem) may not do it perfectly. At the moment this is said to be a ban of release of much broader categories of information. I'll wait until more info is available before passing judgment.

 

[atlkvb]

The government already has a classification system to manage that, although some (ahem) may not do it perfectly. At the moment this is said to be a ban of release of much broader categories of information. I'll wait until more info is available before passing judgment.

I think this is prudent...I read the article WVMade posted and even the people quoted in it who are effected by Trump's EO aren't exactly sure what it means or what's allowed?

My guess is Trump doesn't want them out there making dire warnings, or making any alarmist predictions about sudden environmental impacts without getting that information sifted, reviewed, documented and then approved.

If that's all it is I'm OK with that, just to make sure we're putting out accurate information. The FDA does the same thing before releasing the side effects of newly approved drugs or food substances.

 

[JMichael]

No of course not WVMade. I'm saying as a matter of policy he (Trump) can require them to get their published documents approved before issuing their findings as either policy or official Government agency information.

As I said I don't see him saying 'no collaboration' or 'no consultation' or 'no research'...just no official 'findings' or 'predictions' without prior clearance and/or approval. They do work for a Federal agency and he has a right to order how he wants their findings or work published or made public.

I'm not bothered by that.

You should be terrified by that.

 

[atlkvb]

You should be terrified by that.

Why? What in Hell does the EPA have that's so important or in need of immediate dissemination to the public so we can "protect" ourselves?

EPA?

That's like saying we can't collect taxes without the IRS.

The only "environment" the EPA protects is its own. They're essentially worthless in my opinion.

Trump can shut 'em down as far as I'm concerned and we'd hardly notice they are gone.

 

[WVUBRU]

You should be terrified by that.

Something very bad is happening. It is sad idiot wingnuts continue to make excuses and support these actions of this president.

 

[countryroads89_rivals]

Trump can shut 'em down as far as I'm concerned and we'd hardly notice they are gone.

Flint Michigan disagrees.

The orange streams flowing from abandoned mine sites disagree.

 

[atlkvb]

Flint Michigan disagrees.

The orange streams flowing from abandoned mine sites disagree.

How'd that happen if they were on their "A" game? If they couldn't prevent it, what good are they? We could hire trained monkeys to do a better job.

 

[countryroads89_rivals]

How'd that happen if they were on their "A" game? If they couldn't prevent it, what good are they? We could hire trained monkeys to do a better job.

Because the Republican governor thought it would be a great idea to switch their water over to another system which required using old pipes that contained lead. He wouldn't listen to the advice of the state DEP. That's how it happened.

 

[atlkvb]

Because the Republican governor thought it would be a great idea to switch their water over to another system which required using old pipes that contained lead. He wouldn't listen to the advice of the state DEP. That's how it happened.

Whatever. I just don't have a problem making sure whatever it is they do (EPA) gets approved before they go off yapping to the media. I'm good with that.

 

[EEResistable]

How many executive orders is that already? In just a couple of days?

At this pace he'll pass Obama's total before his first year is up ... but it will be OK since it's Trump, even though it wasn't when it was Obama.

He has a pen and a phone. Elections have consequences.

 

[WhiteTailEER]

Great for West Virginia...hope he blocks every bill Obama signed....

Yeah, we don't need tourism or anything, we're fine on our own. Trout fishing? Pffftttt... who needs it. And 4-methylcyclohexane methanol? It just helps get your dishes cleaner in the dishwasher, it's useful. And who needs trees and mountains anyway? I prefer it flat and barren, like my ex-wife's chest and soul.

Get the EPA out of our state, nothing but trouble.

Before the EPA came in, our economy was booming, we were tops in the nation.

 

[WVMade]

Yeah, we don't need tourism or anything, we're fine on our own. Trout fishing? Pffftttt... who needs it. And 4-methylcyclohexane methanol? It just helps get your dishes cleaner in the dishwasher, it's useful. And who needs trees and mountains anyway? I prefer it flat and barren, like my ex-wife's chest and soul.

Get the EPA out of our state, nothing but trouble.

Before the EPA came in, our economy was booming, we were tops in the nation.

West Virginia has a perfect role model in Colorado but chooses to ignore the blueprint and do everything opposite. Ignorance abides.

State Economy Ranking

50. West Virginia

A derelict school building in West Virginia.Mike Vadala / Flickr
West Virginia's economy revolves around the coal industry, with underground and surface coal mining coming in as the most disproportionately important industries in the state.

West Virginia was one of just two states in which fewer people were working in June 2015 than in June 2014, with a drop of 1.2% in nonfarm payrolls over the year. The Appalachian state was also one of only three states where housing prices dropped between Q1 2014 and Q1 2015, and had the biggest drop in the state housing price index, falling 3.90%. One bright spot was that GDP grew by 5.1% in 2014, higher than the national rate of 2.2%.

2. Colorado

Chipotle Instagram
Dish Network, Western Union, and Chipotle are three of the 23 Fortune 1000 companies headquartered in Colorado.

Colorado's housing market had the most improvement in the country, with house prices rising 11.2% between Q1 2014 and Q1 2015. The state's 2014 GDP growth rate of 4.7% was also very strong, and was the fifth best among the states.

 

[Airport]

Unreal.

A University of Maine researcher issued a warning on social media that additional political attacks on scientists were coming.

“Please, stand up for science and the environment,” warned Jacquelyn Gill, a paleoecologist and biogeographer. “This is the emergency we were all worried about.”

The president signed executive orders Tuesday that cut off all new contracts and grants for the Environmental Protection Agency — and he also banned the agency’s employees from providing updates on social media or to journalists, the Associated Press reported.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent an email Monday morning, which was obtained by BuzzFeed News, prohibiting its employees from communicating with the public about their taxpayer-funded work.

Those “public-facing documents” include news releases, photos, fact sheets, news feeds and social media content, said Sharon Drumm, chief of staff of the Agricultural Research Service.

The U.S. Department of the Interior reportedly ordered employees to stop posting messages on government Twitter accounts after the National Park Service a post comparing the size of Trump’s inauguration with President Barack Obama’s in 2009.

Drumm’s message did not specifically refer to Trump, but the department’s scientists believe the order was a message from the administration.

The memo was vaguely worded enough that department officials aren’t sure whether scientists are allowed to publish studies in academic journals or present findings at conferences.

A Washington Post reporter also tweeted Tuesday afternoon that taxpayer-funded economists might also be forbidden from sharing their findings with the public without approval from the Trump administration.

Hearing the White House told Commerce staffers they can't publish anything without WH approval, including market research for US exporters.

— Danielle Paquette (@DPAQreport) January 24, 2017

I would do the exact same thing and let Congress know, the dems, that those agencies that are not important to the defense of the US, would not function until the head of the agency is named and can be led. Great politics and one for which I didn't think Trump would figure out.

 

[WhiteTailEER]

I would do the exact same thing and let Congress know, the dems, that those agencies that are not important to the defense of the US, would not function until the head of the agency is named and can be led. Great politics and one for which I didn't think Trump would figure out.

Who's responsibility is it to name the head of the agency?

 

[countryroads89_rivals]

I would do the exact same thing and let Congress know, the dems, that those agencies that are not important to the defense of the US, would not function until the head of the agency is named and can be led. Great politics and one for which I didn't think Trump would figure out.

He hasn't shut the agencies down. He placed a gag order on them, which has Constitutional implications. No, it isn't very bright.

Of course you think it's brilliant.

 

[WVMade]

I would do the exact same thing

That's why dentists and reality stars shouldn't be in a position to make these decisions.

 

[Airport]

That's why dentists and reality stars shouldn't be in a position to make these decisions.

Neither should a marxist, leftist, committed ideologue been a president either.

 

[Airport]

He hasn't shut the agencies down. He placed a gag order on them, which has Constitutional implications. No, it isn't very bright.

Of course you think it's brilliant.

It sure has your panties in a bunch.[laughing]

 

[Airport]

He hasn't shut the agencies down. He placed a gag order on them, which has Constitutional implications. No, it isn't very bright.

Of course you think it's brilliant.

He has also prevented them from funding any projects until a head is approved. If BO had done that, you would say he was brilliant for doing it except the mean old republicans helped approve 7 by the inaguration.

 

[auggiewv]

Best Move Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!