Once it's gone

Neil deGrasse Tyson warns of the brain drain currently happening in the US which has seen scientists and academics leaving the country in droves due to the current political climate. 

Many academics are accepting positions in other countries where science isn't considered a dirty word. They are being enticed by more stable and welcoming environments where laboratories and universities are ready to receive them. 

The US used to be the place many scientists escaped to in the early to mid 20th century, but now it is openly bleeding talent. Thanks to the country's penchant for fascistic policies and Christian nationalism cultism, it's become a bad time to work on science projects which don't align with official government policy. 

All this is part of an anti-intellectualism which has been building for years. A pro-business environment where climate change warnings and EPA regulations are a regular thing, is not a good homestead for science expertise which acts as a deterrent for making big profits. 

The problem is that once you lose the expertise it won't be easy to get it back which means you end up not being in the forefront of new developments in science and technology. 

When many of the people running your country don't think the planet is particularly old, climate change is a hoax and the Rapture is right around the corner, you aren't going to get their friendly ear when it comes time for science funding.

The Anthony Fauci witch hunt is yet another telltale sign that scientists would do well to practice their business elsewhere.