Since 2022, my colleagues and I have been targeted by political attacks. Early on, we worried that political actors would specifically target our projects & universities for defunding. But in the end, they came after everyone. The strategy of keeping heads down was never the right one. - ThreadSky

katestarbird.bsky.social • 18 days ago

Since 2022, my colleagues and I have been targeted by political attacks. Early on, we worried that political actors would specifically target our projects & universities for defunding. But in the end, they came after everyone. The strategy of keeping heads down was never the right one.

Reposted from Laura Helmuth

Great article with lots of perspectives from scientists who are scared to speak out — and other scientists who are scared of what will happen if they don't. Trump & Musk & Kennedy are devastating U.S. research and setting progress back decades
www.science.org/content/arti... on @science.org

Comments

dennisyedwab.bsky.social•18 days ago

I really appreciate your work.

And as a political person (specifically an opposition researcher), I've had a long-term frustration with "don't give the attacks oxygen and just do the work and it will go away" plan of action.

Especially in this information ecosystem, nothing just goes away.

katestarbird.bsky.social•18 days ago

I agree. I think that strategy is a relic of a different information environment.

dennisyedwab.bsky.social•18 days ago

Strongly agree. Anyway,would be happy to help in any way I can. Eventually (and hopefully soon) this will end….and we need to compile the record .

edgubbins.bsky.social•18 days ago

Unity is the way.

ricst.bsky.social•18 days ago

Ireland is actively recruiting US scientists

ginalolajupiter.bsky.social•18 days ago

Get tough/outspoken/bold. PLENTY OF PEOPLE ARE ON YOUR SIDE. Make t-shirts :

makemineoolong.bsky.social•17 days ago

Somehow our society has lost the ability to recognize dangerous cons.
The level of tolerance for this rubbish is all wrong for the situation.
We need outrage, we need loud denunciation & condemnation.
We need to curse the evil & praise the good.
We have got to right the ship of state or sink.

saepurusass.bsky.social•18 days ago

Very true: strategy of keeping heads down will not work.

jcharlesthomas.bsky.social•18 days ago

Many of t-Rump’s supporters think, “If he’s a monster, at least he’s *our* monster!”

https://petersironwood.com/2019/09/19/essays-on-america-at-least-hes-our-monster/

phil-stone.bsky.social•18 days ago

Wrecking American science wrecks American businesses in the medium run & American society in the long run. The GOP will reduce the US to 3rd world status, & Putie, Xi, & Prince Bonesaw will be pleased. And Netanyahu will feel like John Roberts is already beginning to feel.

lorifreshwater.bsky.social•18 days ago

Thank you for writing this. I’m so sorry you had to.

ireckon.bsky.social•18 days ago

Go silent… you cannot argue with silence. They will die without someone to lambaste

jeffreysens.bsky.social•18 days ago

Watching this unfold in our non-profit sector. The white led orgs are scrubbing their websites and boards hoping they will pass scrutiny.

askgma.bsky.social•18 days ago

Yeah. Don’t pick me, pick them never worked

katestarbird.bsky.social•18 days ago

Some scientists — especially early career — may need to keep their focus on their research. But those of us with the privilege of tenure and visibility should be standing up, speaking out, and helping the public understand that the future of US science, public health, and innovation is on the line.

jimcashel.bsky.social•18 days ago

You are stronger, smarter, more ethical (and have a way better jumper) than any of these bozos. Keep it up.

sfomel.bsky.social•18 days ago

History doesn't teach us how to behave, but it contains plenty of horrid examples.

rinomight.bsky.social•17 days ago

Yes. Better to fight the monsters than worry about the order in which you’ll be eaten

lisadtrice.bsky.social•18 days ago

Never is. I am so sick about it. We are all easy pickings for those who wish to target, harass, and erase. Life in America.

timothychambers.net•18 days ago

Thank you for your service.

kevincarson1.bsky.social•18 days ago

And Trump just kept right on kicking Columbia even after they capitulated. That should have been sufficient lesson for even the dumbest people that there's nothing to be gained by surrender.

futureboy1983.bsky.social•17 days ago

#AmericaIsBackwards

misshavisham.bsky.social•16 days ago

📌

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