I got into science in order to discover truth and develop new things.
Left after less than a year, got a job as a SWE then eventually started my own business selling used video games of all things.
Have never met a group of people less interested in the truth, or a system that goes to such extreme effort to actively inhibit discovery, than what I experienced in academia.
A friend who works for a private non-profit "researching" cures for cancer has reached the same conclusion there too.
Getting money from rich old people/the government takes precedence over science and it's just sad.
that's sort of shabby treatment of a group of people who step forward as willing to give money. You're singling them out because virtually nobody else is stepping forward. But you want the money (that's called greed, btw) so I guess you'd rather have money disbursed to you... how?
the proper functioning of an economy is essentially defined as allocating resources in a way that leads to the best outcomes for the most people. Look around the world and describe a better system than the one the US has had. I agree it's headed in the wrong direction, but it's not at all clear how to fix it.
They aren't giving money for truth, they are giving money because they want to hear their opinions repeated by someone with a PhD. Be it climate change denial, sex denial or whatever the flavor of the moment is you will find someone willing to give you money to say whatever it is they already believe.
What possible gate could keep out people who get into science for the wrong reasons? As long as there are people willing to pay off a scientist, there will always be scientists willing to pocket the money in exchange for lies. As long as scientists are well respected, people who want to be respected will give consideration to becoming a scientist.
All we can can do is open the gates and doors, keep an eye on everyone who comes in, and kick out the ones who cause problems. In fact, it's better not to be aggressive about gatekeeping when it comes to science because otherwise you risk kicking out someone who could have discovered something important. Transparency and verification make for good science anyway so it's not as if anyone would be saving money on 'cameras and motion detectors' by locking the gates and doors and only letting their friends in.
Accountability is the key here and the lack of it is not just limited to scientists. Not long ago in the US a doctor who believes that tumors and cysts are caused by the sperm of demons found her way into international headlines. She is also on record saying that medications contain the DNA of aliens. She still got to keep her medical license and she has a medical practice. There is almost no accountability at all.
I doubt that. It's much easier to get all of those things elsewhere (ok, maybe not the green card, but the fact that this is not a US-only problem also discards this).
If it is an issue of systemic corruption, people are getting corrupted after they walk in, not before.