To the editor:

Depending on what news agency you reference, the “Trump-backed gag orders” imposed on scientists and administrators at the EPA and Department of Agriculture this week are either: an appalling infringement on the right of all Americans to have free access to unclassified scientific data, or the implementation of standard operating procedures within our federal agencies regarding the dissemination of information following a peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another.

Personally, I take offense to the withholding or censorship of any unclassified scientific data my government has in its possession. To do so, I believe undermines the basis of our government which is founded on the free exchange of ideas and information.

If our new White House is behind the “gag” orders, I believe we as Americans need to demonstrate that we will not tolerate such tyrannical practices.

But what if last week’s “gag” orders merely reflect a traditional practice of silence bureaucrats follow while awaiting direction from any new administration? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our new president (who was elected because he promised he would change the ways of Washington) would right now publicly encourage all departments to share the unclassified data they have?

Keith Kirkpatrick

Cape Coral