Irregular Times Diaries: Unfit Discussion

Right wingers are down low, low down. How low down? How down low? They’re lower down than prairie dogs. In fact, they’re so low down that they’ve been using their power over the federal government to mess with prairie dogs.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Julie MacDonald at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service was recently caught doctoring scientific papers so as to make it appear that endangered species in fact were not in need of protection.

Here’s what the Union of Concerned Scientists has to say about how MacDonald messed with the prairie dogs:

“Documents show that MacDonald directly tampered with a scientific determination by FWS biologists that the white-tailed prairie dog could warrant Endangered Species Act protection, and further, prevented the agency from fully reviewing the animal’s status. Handwritten and Microsoft Word “track changes” edits show MacDonald herself eliminated or disregarded information from the draft finding that would have led to a positive determination, while declaring that further study is necessary. She also changed scientific conclusions, and even added erroneous scientific information that confused the distinct white-tailed and black-tailed prairie dog colonies. Accompanying emails indicate MacDonald ordered the finding to be changed from positive to negative.”

Julir MacDonald’s predatory practices were not restricted to the attacks on prairie dogs. Read more of the report from the Union Concerned Scientists to see what other critters Julie MacDonald went after.