Our scientific societies need to quit the Association of American Publishers

"By coming out in favor of the odious Research Works Act, which would end the NIH’s Public Access Policy, the American Association of Publishers has proven, once again, that it is eager to place its narrow interests ahead of those of the scientific community and public. It should come as now surprise that publishing behemoths like Elsevier would back such a reactionary piece of legislation. But it should infuriate members of the scientific community to know that most of their scientific societies are backing this repeal effort through their membership in the AAP....I urge all of my colleagues to join me in calling for the societies that represent our interests to denounce the Research Works Act (HR-3699) and to suspend or withdraw their support for the AAP until it recognizes the importants of public access to scientific research and immediately ceases to oppose efforts to provide it....Their actions on this matter are egregious and they need to know we disapprove...."