NASA's Jim Hansen Engages In Personal Foreign Policy

Salmond’s energy plan is too risky, Scotsman
Exclusive: Man From Nasa Slams Salmond Coal Plan As ‘Sham’, iStockAnalyst
“One of the world’s leading climate change experts yesterday called into question the green credentials of the First Minister, branding his energy policy a “sham”. Nasa scientist Dr James Hansen called for Alex Salmond to abandon any plans to allow new coal-fired power stations to be built in Scotland. .. Opposition parties responded by criticising the First Minister’s green credentials, and environment groups called for Mr Salmond to act on Dr Hansen’s advice.”
Science Group Erred Giving Hansen Top Honor, Washington post
“By honoring Hansen, the AMS has raised questions about the proper role of scientists in a world that is facing complex challenges that mix science and politics. A key issue is whether it is appropriate for prominent scientists to serve dual roles as researchers and advocates for political change, or if must there be a clear separation between the two.”
Editor’s note: The climate change issue aside (I totally agree with Hansen on that topic, FWIW) is it proper for a NASA employee to go off and create their own policy effort – on an international scale – dragging the word “NASA” into the discussion every time? In this case he is inserting himself into the politics of a foreign country. Would any other NASA employee be allowed to do this – on any topic of their choosing?