When the physicists need burner phones, that’s when you know America’s changed
This is the title of a John Naughton article in today’s Guardian. He notes, “US academics, fearing persecution by their own government, are becoming ideological refugees. Europe, and Britain, must offer them sanctuary… these academics have a finger on the pulse of Trump’s America, and are concerned about what might happen when they return home.”
As a professional physicist (albeit now retired) I spent my entire career depending on institutions and processes which are now being threatened.
From Your Local Epidemiologist: “This week, an $11 billion cut slashed local and state public health infrastructure. With literally a one-day notice.”
Nature (international journal of the biosciences and other science), March 27: Of 1608 respondents to survey question, “Are you a US researcher who is considering leaving the country following the disruptions to science prompted by the Trump administration, 75.3% responded yes (no: 24.7%).
Projects like the 2024 Genomic Science Program for “Integrated Biological and Computational Low Dose Radiation Research” [look here] while probably focussed on radiation doses far above those around Rocky Flats, are precisely the sort which are threatened by Trump White House and DOGE initiatives.
More locally, “”You need to take your fake science and shove it very firmly up your rear.“–A Rocky Flats Downwinder response to one of my recent postings of measured data.