aemb.bsky.social

May we find the necessary knowledge, wisdom, restraint, and strength to vote wisely this November. Some thoughts: outoftheboxblog.org/2026/10/23/d...

There is a clear disconnect between the national interest and the administration’s actions relative to research funding. This disconnect puts urgency on the need to re-think the funding model for academic research: outoftheboxblog.org/2025/06/15/r...

Michael Wilkin was a man of few words, but he had a soft heart, was distinctly talented at his craft, and had an unwavering commitment to problem-solving action. When he died unexpectedly on May 16, 2025, the world quietly became much poorer.

The President's budget puts at risk funding for the US Integrated Ocean Observing System. This program has immense economic, environmental, and life-saving value for coastal communities. Protecting this and other essential programs from arbitrary cuts matters. outoftheboxblog.org/2025/04/25/p...

Attacking what we should cherish will take the country backwards.

The Trump administration is pursuing its agenda largely unopposed. In particular, the Democratic leadership seems to hope that the storm will pass, and voters and normalcy will return. In that hope, they fail to realize that Democracy itself is at risk. Coordinated action is needed. Read more:

I find Mr. Schumer’s argument to avert a government shutdown ultimately unconvincing and dispirited. But regardless of merit, wasn't the white flag raised way too early? It is time for Democrats to get new leadership, possibly in the form of an Opposition Cabinet.

Indiscriminate firing is not a way to achieve government efficiency—it is a way to deeply weaken government. There is method and purpose behind this madness. Democrats and others opposing this administration should respond in a disciplined manner. See more here: outoftheboxblog.org/2025/02/25/n...

Democrats should consider creating a high-profile Opposition Cabinet, organized as a shadow government and blending competent practitioners and innovative thought leaders.

One month in, this administration is carving a path to authoritarianism and disrupting many, many lives (here and abroad, now and into the future). Predictable? Yes. Mitigable? Starts with each of us. Will require all of us.