LET Bush hinders scientific advances

In a city with 21st century science and technology as its livelihood, it is surprising no one has complained about the 14th century theocratic rules being promoted by the Bush administration.

Not only has stem-cell research been curtailed, but the results of many scientific studies have been changed or suppressed to fit a certain ideology. People applying for government positions are questioned about their stance on abortion and whether they are Bush supporters.

The United States -- once the leader -- has fallen behind in research. Science cannot advance when medieval ideology perverts theory and outcomes.

In the 1920s, Timofil Lysenko, a Soviet geneticist, forced researchers to conform to Communist ideology. Soviet science was set back for decades as a result of "Lysenkoism."

The current politicization of American research could be called "Bushenkoism." Let's keep American science free, in the vanguard, and in the 21st century. A vote for Bush is a vote for the Dark Ages.

Julie; Brown

Rochester;