There’s an editorial in Forbes that spells it out: supporting science is a political act these days. Emily Willingham has five reasons why it matters. She’s taking issue with those who think Science should be above the fray, should be above politics. In an ideal world based on rational thought, that might be a tenable hope — but that’s not true where we live today, in Trump World.
Here’s the list — Read The Whole Thing for the details and links.
1. Scientific research in this country is under political threat.
2. Scientific understanding in this country is under political threat, beginning with our earliest education.
3. The political repercussions of the threats to science will differentially affect people who have different identities that they bring to the table.
4. In the current climate, staking a claim to an intellectual framework that relies on facts, critical thinking and evidence-seeking is a political act.
5. The repercussions of stifling scientific advancement in this country are inherently political, from how they affect the healthcare of this nation to how we will be able to respond to threats inside and out.
Want to do something? You can start by going to The March For Science website and signing up for more information. You can find local marches near you, or organize your own. There will be no lack of opportunity to resist — find something you can do. The world is made by the people who show up for the job.