Funds for research do not come out of a vacuum, but are the result of political processes within an administration and Congress; SDI research funding is such an example. My feeling is that scientists can resist the pressure and should be free to communicate their resistance to other scientists. We are under no obligation to accept political money just because it comes as manna from heaven.
Ruina thinks that organized resistance on campuses is "inimical to the fragile academic enterprise," and I agree. But I would also add that the consequences of operational SDI are so horrendous for the fragility of our Earth that academic integrity pales before a nuclear arms race becoming out of control, possibly ending in the obliteration of universities.
