An environmental scientist just surrendered to go to prison for doing good science

12 comments

1. The Everglades Foundation does not care about science or the Everglades. They represent corporate interests who seek to exploit the Everglades and disguise themselves as a nonprofit. When a scientist tried to quit and tell the truth about a project that would endanger water quality for millions of people in South Florida, the Everglades Foundation used litigation to silence and now imprison him. According to the Miccosukee, the indigenous tribe that lives in the Everglades, out of over $500 million set aside for Everglades restoration, only $16 million will be used for projects that will actually benefit the ecosystem.

2. For all of the people wondering what actions people can take against the continued attacks on the earth, its ecosystems, and resources – it’s shit like this 100%.

3. >In addition to a jail sentence, Van Lent was also ordered to pay $178,000 for Foundation attorney fees. Van Lent has filed for bankruptcy.

   Read more at: [https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article310993485.html#storylink=cpy](https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article310993485.html#storylink=cpy)

   Jfc, in addition to everything else, they bankrupted him.

4. I think the more important part is he was ordered to pay $178,000… and had to declare bankruptcy. Absolutely ridiculous.

5. Capitalism

6. Wait… he’s jailed for what appears to be a CIVIL matter?? What am I missing here?

   Oh yeah. The old USA.

7. Did I read that right? They got him on contempt because he kept downloading things… so they never revoked his login even after they took him to court for stealing “trade secrets”?

8. This guy is a true warrior for the environmental. Maybe somebody who knows how could set up a go fund me . If a bigot to a kid can get hundreds of thousands surely this person can get help for those corrupt fines.

9. When science became an object of politics, all hell broke loose.

10. There really ought to be guides for leaking to the press in a way that covers your tracks. I know that some of the publishers have anonymous dropbox type things. But beyond that, seems challenging to escape the feds.

11. Sometimes I feel like these scenarios are set up to discourage people from doing the right thing. Is it weird to think the scientist is a part of the plot? I feel like corporations will do what they can to keep their bag. Anyway, I hope this story doesn’t discourage anyone from acting in our best interest.

12. Integrity is legit

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