Federal mission agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionDepartment of EnergyEnvironmental Protection AgencyNational Institute of Standards and TechnologyNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationU.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Geological Survey, play different but equally important roles. They conduct and support science that informs decisions affecting public health, environmental protection, energy security, economic development and public safety. Many of these activities generate public benefits that market forces alone are unlikely to adequately provide.

Scientific leadership depends on people, institutions, infrastructure and knowledge. These assets accumulate slowly over decades but can be weakened surprisingly quickly.

The current debate is not merely theoretical. Funding reductionsworkforce losses and disruptions affecting universities and federal agencies are already reshaping parts of the American research enterprise.

  • Zephorah@discuss.online
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    5 days ago

    China is old. Really old. They’ve been around. 250 years is nothing.

    We had a good run because we were based on freedom and so many other ideals. That document, the constitution, is a fascinating read, and kinda awesome such that it was inspirational, globally.

    It only took about 200 yrs for that idealism to die. About 50 yrs for the fullness of the corruption to leech in and destroy it.

    Meanwhile, China keeps moving on.