Ben Parrott
@benparrott.bsky.social
Environmental health through an ecological lens. AGING | DEVBIO | SEX DETERMINATION | LIFE HISTORY
Reposted by Ben Parrott
For-profit insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare are defrauding taxpayers out of $80 billion a year.
HHS Secretary Kennedy claims he wants to "clean up corruption" while he is doubling taxpayer dollars to these companies.
That sounds like the real "waste, fraud, and abuse."
HHS Secretary Kennedy claims he wants to "clean up corruption" while he is doubling taxpayer dollars to these companies.
That sounds like the real "waste, fraud, and abuse."
June 24, 2025 at 9:44 PM
For-profit insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare are defrauding taxpayers out of $80 billion a year.
HHS Secretary Kennedy claims he wants to "clean up corruption" while he is doubling taxpayer dollars to these companies.
That sounds like the real "waste, fraud, and abuse."
HHS Secretary Kennedy claims he wants to "clean up corruption" while he is doubling taxpayer dollars to these companies.
That sounds like the real "waste, fraud, and abuse."
Reposted by Ben Parrott
Ruiz: Why did the report include citations that don’t exist?
RFK JR: All of the foundational assertions in that report are accurate
Ruiz: How can they be accurate if they did not exist?
RFK JR: All of the foundational assertions in that report are accurate
Ruiz: How can they be accurate if they did not exist?
June 24, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Ruiz: Why did the report include citations that don’t exist?
RFK JR: All of the foundational assertions in that report are accurate
Ruiz: How can they be accurate if they did not exist?
RFK JR: All of the foundational assertions in that report are accurate
Ruiz: How can they be accurate if they did not exist?
Reposted by Ben Parrott
NEW: NSF will be kicked out of their building. Announcement will be made tomorrow by HUD Sec. and Governor of VA. HUD will take over the NSF building over the next two years.
NSF staffer: "There is no planning for NSF, no identified future location, appropriation for a new building or a move."
NSF staffer: "There is no planning for NSF, no identified future location, appropriation for a new building or a move."
June 24, 2025 at 10:20 PM
NEW: NSF will be kicked out of their building. Announcement will be made tomorrow by HUD Sec. and Governor of VA. HUD will take over the NSF building over the next two years.
NSF staffer: "There is no planning for NSF, no identified future location, appropriation for a new building or a move."
NSF staffer: "There is no planning for NSF, no identified future location, appropriation for a new building or a move."
Reposted by Ben Parrott
This seems like a really strong campaign launch video. No idea her other policy positions, but an impressive first impression.
I'm Dr. Annie Andrews. I’m a pediatrician, not a politician. But either way I know how to handle people who are full of sh*t.
Today I am announcing my campaign for US Senate to replace Lindsey Graham. Share this if you're with me.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8wM...
Today I am announcing my campaign for US Senate to replace Lindsey Graham. Share this if you're with me.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8wM...
Annie Andrews Launch Video: "Unafraid"
YouTube video by Annie Andrews
www.youtube.com
May 29, 2025 at 8:21 PM
This seems like a really strong campaign launch video. No idea her other policy positions, but an impressive first impression.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
The same guys trying to demonize government workers as useless bureaucrats who just lounge around all day on the taxpayer dime are complaining on television about how hard it is to work in the government
Dan Bongino has a nice cry on Fox & Friends: "I gave up everything for this. I mean, my wife is struggling... I stare at these 4 walls all day in DC, you know, by myself, divorced from my wife. Not divorced, but I mean, separated. And it's hard."
(Note that Brian Kilmeade has to encourage him lol)
(Note that Brian Kilmeade has to encourage him lol)
May 29, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The same guys trying to demonize government workers as useless bureaucrats who just lounge around all day on the taxpayer dime are complaining on television about how hard it is to work in the government
Reposted by Ben Parrott
CONCENTRATING them. Into CAMPS.
Israel plans on concentrating Palestinians into isolated camps within Gaza after it takes over 75% of the territory, luring Palestinians into those zones by using aid as bait.
mondoweiss.net/2025/05/isra...
#Palestine #Israel
mondoweiss.net/2025/05/isra...
#Palestine #Israel
Israel says it will soon occupy 75% of Gaza, and it’s using control over aid to do it
Israel plans on concentrating Palestinians into isolated camps within Gaza after it takes over 75% of the territory, luring Palestinians into those zones by using aid as bait.
mondoweiss.net
May 27, 2025 at 10:13 PM
CONCENTRATING them. Into CAMPS.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
Reposted by Ben Parrott
25 years ago, I came to Stanford on a J1 visa and worked so hard to be worthy of that privilege. Today, I lead Immunology at Mount Sinai and I am the one who feel privileged when brilliant international trainees chose to join us.
“America First” Will Destroy U.S. Science
The U.S. government has sought to restrict immigration under the “America First” doctrine.
These policies severely harm American science by stripping it of talent and eliminating
a major driver of its...
www.cell.com
May 26, 2025 at 3:59 AM
25 years ago, I came to Stanford on a J1 visa and worked so hard to be worthy of that privilege. Today, I lead Immunology at Mount Sinai and I am the one who feel privileged when brilliant international trainees chose to join us.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
U.S. Officials Sold Stocks Before Trump’s Tariffs Sank the Market www.propublica.org/article/us-o...
More Than a Dozen U.S. Officials Sold Stocks Before Trump’s Tariffs Sent the Market Plunging
Records show well-timed trades by executive branch employees and congressional aides. Even if they had no insider information, ethics experts say such trading undermines faith in government and the ma...
www.propublica.org
May 24, 2025 at 10:16 AM
U.S. Officials Sold Stocks Before Trump’s Tariffs Sank the Market www.propublica.org/article/us-o...
Reposted by Ben Parrott
“Cutting basic science doesn’t save money.”
America’s long-term growth is at stake. Congress is weighing sweeping FY2026 cuts to fundamental science, including $18 billion from the NIH and $5 billion from the NSF.
In the long run, these cuts will cost the economy billions.
@jdrakephd.bsky.social
www.forbes.com/sites/johndr...
In the long run, these cuts will cost the economy billions.
@jdrakephd.bsky.social
www.forbes.com/sites/johndr...
Trump’s NIH And NSF Cuts Estimated To Cost The U.S. Economy $10 Billion Annually
Economists find public R&D drives U.S. productivity growth — and pays for itself
www.forbes.com
May 19, 2025 at 10:25 PM
“Cutting basic science doesn’t save money.”
Reposted by Ben Parrott
NSF just cancelled ALL grants to Harvard researchers. That’s right - physics, astronomy, bio, CAREER - ALL. Professors won’t get paid. Postdocs won’t get paid. PhD students won’t get paid. This is insane!
If they can do this to Harvard, they can do this to your school.
If they can do this to Harvard, they can do this to your school.
May 16, 2025 at 3:04 AM
NSF just cancelled ALL grants to Harvard researchers. That’s right - physics, astronomy, bio, CAREER - ALL. Professors won’t get paid. Postdocs won’t get paid. PhD students won’t get paid. This is insane!
If they can do this to Harvard, they can do this to your school.
If they can do this to Harvard, they can do this to your school.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
My advisor @baym.lol pointedly speaking with WBUR.
“I think that reason is a pretense. I think that this is an attack on Harvard as a symbol of academia in the United States.”
“I think that reason is a pretense. I think that this is an attack on Harvard as a symbol of academia in the United States.”
"I'm still in shock. I know that there have been political issues around Harvard in recent weeks, but antibiotic resistance isn't one of them." My conversation with Harvard microbiologist @baym.lol, one of many researchers there who just lost millions in fed. grants. www.wbur.org/news/2025/05...
Antibiotic research at Harvard lab threatened by federal funding cuts
Microbiologist Michael Baym studies antibiotic resistance at Harvard Medical School. He lost millions in federal funding this week.
www.wbur.org
May 17, 2025 at 12:06 PM
My advisor @baym.lol pointedly speaking with WBUR.
“I think that reason is a pretense. I think that this is an attack on Harvard as a symbol of academia in the United States.”
“I think that reason is a pretense. I think that this is an attack on Harvard as a symbol of academia in the United States.”
Reposted by Ben Parrott
GOP tax bill on track to add more than $2.5 trillion to U.S. deficit
But, on the other hand, it will kill many children.
But, on the other hand, it will kill many children.
GOP tax bill on track to add more than $2.5 trillion to U.S. deficit
The figure is expected to intensify a national debate over spending and tax levels as President Donald Trump tries to push the legislation through Congress.
www.washingtonpost.com
May 15, 2025 at 10:58 AM
GOP tax bill on track to add more than $2.5 trillion to U.S. deficit
But, on the other hand, it will kill many children.
But, on the other hand, it will kill many children.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
DeLauro nails it. This is illegal impoundment. Every last dollar that was appropriated by Congress for the NIH that has been "saved" needs to spent on its intended purpose: scientific research for the benefit of the American people.
DeLAURO: Are you planning to break the law by impounding appropriated funds?
RFK Jr: If you appropriate the funds, I'm going to spend them
D: We have! You're cutting the NIH by $18b. Congress appropriated those funds. How can you justify cutting billions from the biomedical research budget?
RFK Jr: If you appropriate the funds, I'm going to spend them
D: We have! You're cutting the NIH by $18b. Congress appropriated those funds. How can you justify cutting billions from the biomedical research budget?
May 14, 2025 at 8:36 PM
DeLauro nails it. This is illegal impoundment. Every last dollar that was appropriated by Congress for the NIH that has been "saved" needs to spent on its intended purpose: scientific research for the benefit of the American people.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
Since I administered the WH emoluments rules, let me explain why this is forbidden
Trump expressed interest in it before it was offered
He is going to use & benefit from it a while in office
And he's going to keep using it after he leaves!
Functionally, it's a gift to him & so it's illegal
Trump expressed interest in it before it was offered
He is going to use & benefit from it a while in office
And he's going to keep using it after he leaves!
Functionally, it's a gift to him & so it's illegal
Overseeing the presidential gift rules was among my duties as White House Ethics Czar -- so I know how it's supposed to work
The gift of this plane to Trump is illegal & unconstitutional
The AG & the WH Counsel oughtta be ashamed of themselves for allowing it
abcnews.go.com/Politics/tru...
The gift of this plane to Trump is illegal & unconstitutional
The AG & the WH Counsel oughtta be ashamed of themselves for allowing it
abcnews.go.com/Politics/tru...
Trump administration poised to accept 'palace in the sky' as a gift for Trump from Qatar: Sources
President Trump poised to accept "palace in the sky" as a gift from Qatar: Sources
abcnews.go.com
May 11, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Since I administered the WH emoluments rules, let me explain why this is forbidden
Trump expressed interest in it before it was offered
He is going to use & benefit from it a while in office
And he's going to keep using it after he leaves!
Functionally, it's a gift to him & so it's illegal
Trump expressed interest in it before it was offered
He is going to use & benefit from it a while in office
And he's going to keep using it after he leaves!
Functionally, it's a gift to him & so it's illegal
Reposted by Ben Parrott
The Framers were so wise to write a constitutional clause saying "no foreign presents or emoluments whatsoever, except if you hold them through a foundation that you control & whose property is available for your personal use, in which case, NP & BFD: YOLO!"
May 11, 2025 at 8:58 PM
The Framers were so wise to write a constitutional clause saying "no foreign presents or emoluments whatsoever, except if you hold them through a foundation that you control & whose property is available for your personal use, in which case, NP & BFD: YOLO!"
Reposted by Ben Parrott
It's 2015. President Barack Obama has accepted a "sky palace" jumbo jet from the Qatari government, which he'll own after he leaves office. "Everybody relax," he says in an interview with the New York Times. Everyone does. The networks then televise the military parade in his honor on his birthday.
May 11, 2025 at 6:43 PM
It's 2015. President Barack Obama has accepted a "sky palace" jumbo jet from the Qatari government, which he'll own after he leaves office. "Everybody relax," he says in an interview with the New York Times. Everyone does. The networks then televise the military parade in his honor on his birthday.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
True story: When I was a contractor at a NASA facility I kept M&Ms on my desk. A civil servant I worked with ate a few one day. The next day I came in to find a pound bag on my desk. He wanted to "reimburse" me because he didn't want the few he ate to be seen as a gift. Anyway
ABC reports Trump to take “flying palace” from Qatar and use it as temporary Air Force 1 before converting it to a personal possession.
Trump administration poised to accept 'palace in the sky' as a gift for Trump from Qatar: Sources
President Trump poised to accept "palace in the sky" as a gift from Qatar: Sources
abcnews.go.com
May 11, 2025 at 12:45 PM
True story: When I was a contractor at a NASA facility I kept M&Ms on my desk. A civil servant I worked with ate a few one day. The next day I came in to find a pound bag on my desk. He wanted to "reimburse" me because he didn't want the few he ate to be seen as a gift. Anyway
Reposted by Ben Parrott
Federal police are becoming the standing army the Founders warned us about.
May 11, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Federal police are becoming the standing army the Founders warned us about.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
It shouldn't have to be said but if you're law enforcement and you have to cover up your face while doing your job, you are not the good guys in this situation.
May 9, 2025 at 8:47 PM
It shouldn't have to be said but if you're law enforcement and you have to cover up your face while doing your job, you are not the good guys in this situation.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
NEWS: I just led 112 of my colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump Administration on their funding freeze of the National Science Foundation.
Cutting off NSF funding threatens vital research, stalls innovation, and risks ceding global scientific leadership to China.
Cutting off NSF funding threatens vital research, stalls innovation, and risks ceding global scientific leadership to China.
May 9, 2025 at 7:48 PM
NEWS: I just led 112 of my colleagues in demanding answers from the Trump Administration on their funding freeze of the National Science Foundation.
Cutting off NSF funding threatens vital research, stalls innovation, and risks ceding global scientific leadership to China.
Cutting off NSF funding threatens vital research, stalls innovation, and risks ceding global scientific leadership to China.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
"A report by economists at American University in Washington DC estimates that a 50% reduction in federal science funding would reduce the US gross domestic product by approximately 7.6%."
Science is an amazing engine of economic activity and progress for the US ... or at least it was.
Science is an amazing engine of economic activity and progress for the US ... or at least it was.
Staff members at the US National Science Foundation (NSF) were told on 30 April to “stop awarding all funding actions until further notice,” according to an email seen by Nature.
https://go.nature.com/44Ugf9V
https://go.nature.com/44Ugf9V
Exclusive: NSF stops awarding new grants and funding existing ones
US science funder also plans to screen grant applications for compliance with ‘agency priorities’.
go.nature.com
May 1, 2025 at 11:36 PM
"A report by economists at American University in Washington DC estimates that a 50% reduction in federal science funding would reduce the US gross domestic product by approximately 7.6%."
Science is an amazing engine of economic activity and progress for the US ... or at least it was.
Science is an amazing engine of economic activity and progress for the US ... or at least it was.
Reposted by Ben Parrott
if you’re describing MAGA culture as “masculine” you’re misunderstanding what it means to be a man
I'm not sure I would describe this as "masculine" so much as "overtly misogynist"
On one hand, this is a real subculture that has emerged amongst a certain subset of people on the right and we should talk about it. On the other hand, these people want to destroy modern American democracy as we've known it since WWII, and that should maybe be in the headline?
May 2, 2025 at 2:50 AM
if you’re describing MAGA culture as “masculine” you’re misunderstanding what it means to be a man