Ebenso

To be clear: I don't know the paleontologist in question or what they did or didn't do. I don't even know my way around paleontology, aside from maybe the most basic education.

If I were in that position I really would prefer not to have to message this individual (or travel to Iran, or ...) to do some digging. And I understand being wary of someone who does. But I don't quite understand how that is placed on the pedestal as being friends or otherwise well acquainted with a know child molester and trafficker. Were they friends? Sure, avoid the scientist whenever possible.

But I do not see a fundamental wrong with asking nicely "Dear Mr., can I come and dig up your backyard because I think there are some important fossils?" Would it be wrong to dig up Charles Manson's back yard for that reason? State lands in Russa?

Dinge, die ich nicht auf meinem Bingo-Zettel stehen hatte.

Pardon, I know I worded it poorly, but what I meant with the Russia example is that the damage done to society is relatively minor by visiting the country or island of a criminal (though not null), while the gain for science could be huge. Somewhat similar to how journalists travel to war zones or occupied territories and comply with local authority such as the Taliban to report on important issues or abuse. They engage with a regime, but for an important reason.

I don't mind being wrong, I would like to understand the reasoning seemingly most people share in this case.

I think I am. Isn't the advancement of science more important than the shunning of criminals?

I did word it poorly, but what I meant with the Russia example is that the damage done to society is relatively minor by visiting the country or island of a criminal (though not null), while the gain for science could be huge. Somewhat similar to how journalists travel to war zones or occupied territories and comply with local authority such as the Taliban to report on important issues or abuse. They engage with a regime, but for an important reason.

Quick question: Why am I a deplorable cunt if I want to look for fossils on a rapist's piece of land? Am I a war criminal if I want to dig for fossils in Russa?

You had me in the first half, not gonna lie.

I think this is still a majority opinion, but a lot of people don't exactly apply it uniformly. Lemmy (and Piefed, for that matter) is a bubble with a certain percentage of people who only consider this to hold true for people they consider "good".

I've seen some, imo, very VERY deranged takes on here about who "deserves" or rather "lost" their human right privileges, be it police officers, politicians, or people who inherited or otherwise obtained a lot of money.

Your choice of screen shot makes it look like a statement. Fortunately, you made the right choice.

My literacy seems to have cast a cloud on this otherwise sunny day

But isn't that what the first poster is playing on? It would certainly lower the chance of transmitting a virus

Toxicologists and medical scientists looking for data on humans suddenly having to learn Japanese (or German) ...