I don't which is more shocking (though not surprising): that Bush forms his science policy on the basis of a work of fiction, or that he has (presumably) never read Brave New World.

It does not come as a shock that Bush has not read the book. I doubt he has read many books at all, or understood any of them. Anyone who will make major policy decisions based on his "gut feelings" or "instincts" contrary to the advice and input of people who have spent their careers learning about the matters involved can't be expected to have actually read the literature that has helped form our culture.

I could suggest a reading list that might help him to understand the possible consequences of his policies of ignoring man's contributions to climate change, or the growing power and influence or corporate entities over our lives. Much science fiction does a remarkable job of taking the conditions of today and projecting a possible future that those conditions can lead up to.

What would shock me would be if GW had ever read A book!!! Or at least... any book without pretty pictures.