UCS Activism

I was disappointed and annoyed by the extensive and flattering coverage given to the Union of Concerned Scientists (The Scientist, Oct. 30, 1989, page 2), describing the group as an advocate of the proper use of technology.. and proclaiming in a headline that “UCS fights for best use of science.” UCS is not a scientific organization, nor does it speak for scientists. It is a garden-variety political activist organization, indistinguishable in its goals (and overlapping membership) from dozens of other political activist groups. Scientists are a distinct minority in their membership, and UCS views on issues such as nuclear power are out of step with the majority of scientists.

UCS seeks credibility by using the term “scientist” in its name. In fact, their methods bear no resemblance to “science.” I was personally exposed to UCS “science” when an antinuclear activist gave me one of their books to read while...