In his marathon speech, Democrat Senator Cory Booker asked a powerful question: “Generations from now will look back at this moment and have a single question—where were you? When our country was in crisis and when the American people were asking for our help—did we speak up?”
Scientists are America’s future. Trump and the Republican Party are slashing research funding. Scientists are smart and hard working. They are willing to work long hours for lower pay than in the business sector, but not if their jobs can be eliminated at any time by a deranged President:
America is at risk of losing a generation of scientists. Amid sweeping cuts to federal research funding by the Trump administration, job opportunities for young scientists are being rescinded, postdoctoral positions eliminated and fellowships folded as labs struggle to afford new researchers. As countless scientific projects come to a halt, the researchers who will suffer the most are those just beginning their careers.
. . .
Those actions could mean America’s demise as the most powerful force for innovation in science, health and technology for the 21st century. Competitors like China will be able to usurp that position, and other countries are already making concerted efforts to recruit American scientists.
Many young researchers say they are having to choose between staying in the United States and staying in science. America shouldn’t take scientific progress in medicine, artificial intelligence, energy and more for granted. If the youngest, brightest minds aren’t soon reassured that the United States can support their work — and that scientific inquiry will be protected from political interference — they will walk away. New York Times.
Immigrants are also America’s future. Trump and the Republican Party are not only forcing immigrants to leave but ensuring that fewer immigrants arrive now or in the future:
This used to be America. A crossroads nation, we attracted highly driven immigrants who wanted to be where the action was. We championed free trade. British colonialism and American internationalism made English the closest thing we have to a global language. David Brooks
Get involved. Dedicate one hour per week towards civic activities. Support small businesses and the middle class, not billion dollar companies. Support honest media that calls out Trump’s lies.
The index to my prior essays (mostly post 5 November 2024) is here.
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