Thread by @robertghrist

1/ recently, the @jm_collective and others have been pushing for mathematicians (& the @amermathsoc) to cut ties with the NSA (@NSAGov).
i would like to comment on that.

2/ i begin by affirming their right (& everyone’s right) to free speech & expression of beliefs, political or other. go for it & sign whatever petitions you want. make your arguments & let us all listen.

3/ i disagree with their stance and recommendations. specifically, they have urged people not only not to work with the NSA (okay, that’s your choice), but to actively punish students by refusing to write letters of recommendation should they choose to apply to the NSA.

4/ they do so after acknowledging that the NSA is the #1 employer of math phds. in so doing, they are not merely declining to work with the NSA (as is their individual prerogative), but actively working to sabotage employment of young people in math.
i think that’s wrong.

5/ just the NSA? nope. the fine print says no military agencies at all. no @DARPA, no @AFOSR, no @USNavyResearch, nothing – all of which have long supported mathematics research & supported mathematicians. i would not be where i am without their support.

6/ sadly, they imply that a mathematician cannot be a “true ally” working towards the goals of diversity, inclusion, & equity if they have any connection to the @NSAGov, etc. this is dismissive of we who strive for div/incl/eq via teaching, mentoring, & more.

7/ the entire tone of their arguments is – to my ears – akin to certain religious sects who declare that the unsaved are incapable of doing any good and that association implies guilt and merits the ostrakon.

8/ furthermore, disagreement is a sure sign of a witch or being pro-witch (updated to these modern days). that is the argument of an inquisitor.

9/ the cherry on top – after declaring certain branches of the USGov as being unclean, they call for increased funding for mathematicians from the @NSF. why? why not be pure and renounce all US government funding?

10/ let’s continue: are those tuition dollars you pocket coming from people whose political opinions you embrace? tainted. does your work benefit corporations or universities whose priorities do not match yours? if association is guilt, well… the monastery awaits.

11/ and to be hyperbolic (& with apologies to st. paul), perhaps you should go all the way and renounce all technology derived from military funding for mathematics, to be consistent.
#goodluckwiththat

12/ i’ve been critical, and may be criticized in return: so be it. if you have arguments i'll listen. but i’m going to write letters for my students to work at NSA/Goldman/Simons/Satan-Inc or anywhere willing to hire mathematicians.
i affirm my students' right to choose.

end note: i have never worked for the NSA nor received funding from them. my research has been funded continually by the @DeptofDefense since 2005. i’m proud of my country & am happy to serve, despite its many faults.
i believe in supporting math research, period.