Barton, Fink.

Michael Mann and associated scientists have formally responded to the dilettante "researchers" in the United States Congress, who were spurred into absurd action because of an article by an economist and a moron in the Wall Street Journal.

Scientists respond to Barton
Many in the scientific community would welcome any genuine interest in climate change from the committee, but the tone and content of these letters have alarmed many scientists and their professional organisations. In the words of Alan Leshner, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Barton letters "give the impression of a search for some basis on which to discredit these particular scientists and findings, rather than a search for understanding."

I respect the approach these scientists took. Strictly speaking, in his role as a representative of the people of Texas and a lawmaker, I am not sure Joe "Joe" Barton has the authority to make private citizens dance to his fiddle. The how and why of grant money isn't classified information in the United States. (Yet.)

I would have been equally happy if the scientists in question had simply photocopied their asses and faxed this over to Barton's office.

Barton, your glacier called, and it is melting.