Science Under Siege

Evan Blake, interviewed on WBAI’s “Frontline Voices,” discusses the Trump administration's assault on science, which he characterizes as unprecedented in its scale and direct targeting of scientific institutions and expertise. He argues this attack extended beyond mere policy disagreements, representing a deliberate effort to undermine public trust in science for political gain, particularly regarding climate change and environmental regulations. Blake emphasizes the dangers posed by this anti-science environment in the context of potential new pandemics. He contends that the erosion of public health infrastructure and scientific expertise weakens society's ability to effectively respond to future health crises. He suggests that prioritizing profit over public health creates vulnerabilities that can exacerbate the impact of emerging infectious diseases. Blake advocates for a socialist approach to public health, arguing that healthcare should be a fundamental right, not a commodity. He believes this would require a comprehensive restructuring of the healthcare system, prioritizing preventative care, equitable access, and robust public funding for scientific research and public health initiatives. He asserts that only a socialist system can adequately address the underlying social and economic inequalities that contribute to health disparities and create the conditions for pandemics to thrive. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/15/hark-a15.html