I spent most of ICFA talking to old friends, making new friends, reading by the pool, and trying to relax. I think I managed to crank my ambient stress down a notch or two.
I was mostly not watching the news, but I did end up talking a fair bit with other academics impacted by Trump’s /Elon’s policies, or worried they will be. Feeling grateful that I’m based in Illinois, where we’re somewhat insulated by our fairly blue government, and grateful that our Oak Park library and schools are mostly funded locally, so we’re not as much at risk from national moves. I still think property taxes are not the ideal way to fund public goods, but in this moment, it’s helping out our local students and library patrons. I’ll take it.
Makes me think I should be more outspoken, because I can be. Even if I lose my job, it’s not the end of the world for our finances.
If they come for my students, they’re going to have to come through me.
