Putting lipstick on a pig

Just as an ongoing reminder:

Barack Obama: “It is about ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda and that we make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology.”

This excellent quote is going to serve as a kind of touchstone for evaluating various administration activities.
So let’s check in on that philosophy:

Today we honor D.A.R.E. for its important work. The efforts of D.A.R.E.’s instructors and supporters benefit our Nation’s children and are deserving of praise and appreciation. D.A.R.E.’s renewed efforts to implement science-based programs and to strengthen partnerships among law enforcement, families, and their communities are particularly worthy of commendation. Through effective teaching methods and broad participation, D.A.R.E. can help ensure that every child in America enjoys the opportunities he or she deserves.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 8, 2009, as National D.A.R.E. Day. I call upon our youth, parents, educators, law enforcement personnel, and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities.

Ah, notice the insertion of the words “renewed efforts to implement science-based programs.” That must be what he was talking about.
Still seems like we’re throwing a birthday party for a pig with brightly colored lips.