Andy Hall wrote:

It's disappointing, but I suppose not surprising when science becomes
so heavily influenced by populism rather than its core business.

Yes, both Science and Politics used to be Gentlemanly pursuits rather
than careers. Once a man's career is on the line for what he says, he's
open to the paymaster compromising his principles.

This is why I advocate an unpaid, hereditary Lords, with unpaid MPs in
the Commons (reasonable expenses paid, of course). Anyone who can't
afford to go to parliament on these terms, shouldn't be there.

R.