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@FediThing @HarriettMB @petersuber

I suspect it's less about bribery and more about fear of adverse consequences - especially as the UK state is probably not going to come to their aid, given its current situation.

@passenger @HarriettMB @petersuber

What adverse consequences?

@FediThing @HarriettMB @petersuber

If we look at the recent destruction of many institutions in the US, whether that be governmental, arms-length or private, many of those seem to have been motivated by petty spite on Musk's part. He may not have the legal power to destroy centuries old institutions, but he has the actual power to do so, and he's been using that power.

Musk does not have that sort of power here in the UK. Yet. But he does have a memory and the polls look uncomfortable for anyone opposed to pro-oligarch Right-wing parties. After the next election we may well see a blue or purple government, and then he may be given permission to take vengeance on organisations that have stood up to him.

@passenger @HarriettMB @petersuber

If that's what's motivating them, then the society deserves to vanish. Giving into fascism years in advance, when they don't even know they will get into power, is despicable and abandoning many of the scientists they claim to be championing.

Science itself is under attack in the US, this is a time to oppose fascism if one believes in science. Maybe the Royal Society is more interested in protecting the Royal Society than science?