From PRI, Public Radio International and KCRW Santa Monica, this is To the Point.

Is ideology trumping science in the White House?

I'm Jim Sterngold sitting in for Warren Only, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans

care about most. Dr. James Holsinger wrote a paper for the Methodist Church more than a decade

ago claiming that gay male sex was inherently unsafe. Now he has been nominated to become

the country's leading doctor, and critics charged the Bush administration is placing its political

biases ahead of sound health policy.

Earlier this week, the former Surgeon General claimed he was muzzled by the White House.

What is the proper role of science in making national policy?

On reporter's notebook later on, in a sting operation, federal officials bought nuclear materials that could be used in a dirty bomb,

is the federal government really protecting Americans from terrorist attacks?

First, here's the news.

Support for To the Point comes from subscribers of KCRW Santa Monica and from the Public Radio International Program Fund,

whose contributors include the Ford Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur

Foundation. I'm Jim Sterngold, sitting in for Warren Only, back with To the Point from PRI.

From global warming to stem cell research and sex education, opponents have charged that the Bush

administration has been twisting science to suit its political agenda. Supporters argue that when

voters put a party in power,

the leaders have the right to place their own ideas first.

The battle over President Bush's nominee for Surgeon General has raised the issue again.

We'll talk with experts who will explain how science is used in Washington

...