A biased report

Earlier this week I posted about the problems of studies funded by supporters of one side of an argument and the likelihood of getting unbiased results. The Walton Foundation wants to fund a 'study' on voucher schools in Milwaukee, but they have been a huge financial force in getting voucher programs started around the country.

Today, the Wisconsin State Journal has a story that illustrates why funding for a study that comes from with someone with an established stake in an argument just doesn't work. Five non-profit groups received over $150,000 from American Transmission Co, which wants to build a new high-voltage power line across Dane County that many residents have been fighting. Needless to say, the report saying we need the power line where the company wants it is being met with skepticism.

This is not to say that we don't need it. But the environmental groups that took the money are now having their integrity questioned and few people are going to take this report very seriously. Does anyone believe that the American Transmission Company would have released a report that didn't back up their claims?