Scientists
are public servants. Whether employed by a public institution or a private one,
most likely much of a scientist’s research support comes form public funds, and
the essence of a scientist’s job is to contribute new knowledge to the public
domain. To effectively carry out his/her mission a scientist needs to make a
sustained effort over a long period of time. Now comes the sequester, and then
the shutdown! Much of the infrastructure for doing science in this country is
now in disarray and many careers are at risk.
What kind
of a message does this send to young scientists or indeed to any young person
who aspires to a career in public service? The message clearly is that you are
a pawn that can be manipulated by powerful interests and that your
contributions are not valued. In our current bizarre political and economic
system the only thing that counts is money!
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