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Science research of the types funded by NSF are the best forms of US soft power, and also good will, if that is still an allowed concept. If this is like yeste

Science research of the types funded by NSF are the best forms of US soft power, and also good will, if that is still an allowed concept. If this is like yesterday’s coverage on HN of NIH and NSF budgets we can expect a lively and unusually engage political discussion here. I was hoping for a little sanity as during Trump 1. No such luck. Time to get much more engaged. Damn it, I was having so much fun figuring out the genetics of lifespan.

gtirloni 2y ago
> Time to get much more engaged.* Yes. And as a non-American following this from a distance, I don't understand what's taking the Democrats so long to start doing real opposition.
- chneu 2y ago
  Established democrats are petrified of upsetting anyone. They have no real plans. Democrats are horrible at public relations and messaging, so they routinely get roasted by Republicans, despite being right most of the time.
- dc396 2y ago
  Republicans control all three branches of government. Democrats are in the minority in the Legislative branch and, as such, have no real power. Add to that the capture of the Supreme Court by the Republicans, even legal efforts are unlikely to succeed. This is what a plurality of US voters voted for so one way you can look at it would be "you make your bed, you lie in it." Too bad for folks who relied on the US government...
  - robwwilliams 2y ago
    The splintered Republicans made it obvious over the last two years that they did not actually have control of the lower house. What they did get done was often done with help from Democrats. Perhaps they will be more unified; perhaps not.
- thrill 2y ago
  It's their turn to be spineless.
- xnx 2y ago
  > I don't understand what's taking the Democrats so long to start doing real opposition. It could be political malpractice, but there's also debate about whether to "oppose all things" or more strategically wait for the enemy to harm themselves. ("Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake. -Napoleon"

gtirloni 2y ago

> Time to get much more engaged.* Yes. And as a non-American following this from a distance, I don't understand what's taking the Democrats so long to start doing real opposition.

chneu 2y ago
Established democrats are petrified of upsetting anyone. They have no real plans. Democrats are horrible at public relations and messaging, so they routinely get roasted by Republicans, despite being right most of the time.
dc396 2y ago
Republicans control all three branches of government. Democrats are in the minority in the Legislative branch and, as such, have no real power. Add to that the capture of the Supreme Court by the Republicans, even legal efforts are unlikely to succeed. This is what a plurality of US voters voted for so one way you can look at it would be "you make your bed, you lie in it." Too bad for folks who relied on the US government...
- robwwilliams 2y ago
  The splintered Republicans made it obvious over the last two years that they did not actually have control of the lower house. What they did get done was often done with help from Democrats. Perhaps they will be more unified; perhaps not.
thrill 2y ago
It's their turn to be spineless.
xnx 2y ago
> I don't understand what's taking the Democrats so long to start doing real opposition. It could be political malpractice, but there's also debate about whether to "oppose all things" or more strategically wait for the enemy to harm themselves. ("Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake. -Napoleon"