I’ve written many times on how and why, as a biologist, the notion of biological agents, not to mention messing around with pathogens, scares the absolute kapok out of me. Nukes have some after-effects, but once the bomb has gone off, it’s over. The same can be said for chemical agents. But biologicals? They reproduce, they self-perpetuate, they adapt, they spread on their own. 

Now, on Friday, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has released a trove of information on how the United States government has been funding overseas biolabs, and if that doesn’t horrify you, it should. The post continues: Today, I’m releasing never before seen intelligence revealing new evidence of past US government funding for more than 120 biolabs in over 30 countries, including Ukraine. In support of President Trump‘s Executive Order to end federal funding of dangerous gain of function research around the world, and increase transparency and accountability, ODNI will continue working with partners across the Administration to identify where these labs are, what pathogens they contain, and what “research” is being conducted.

I have one question: Why? Why, for the luvva Pete, were the American taxpayers funding biolabs around the world? We also know that Chinese nationals have been caught operating illegal biolabs right here in the United States. This is scary stuff. But China, we might note, at least isn’t asking the American taxpayer to pick up the tab for whatever it is they are up to. At least, not any more; does a certain lab in Wuhan, China ring any bells?

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has issued a press release on the topic: After months of searching through Intelligence Community holdings and files, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard is revealing new evidence of longstanding United States government funding for more than 120 biolabs in over 30 countries. These biolabs include labs in Ukraine, which may be at risk of compromise due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. For example, the Intelligence Community previously warned that a US-funded biolab in Ukraine likely housed dangerous pathogens and remained vulnerable to longstanding threats of Russian attack, seizure, or damage.

The newly declassified evidence can be found HERE. Here’s the part that should make your skin crawl: Many of these U.S. government-funded biolabs are currently or have previously engaged in research using hazardous and highly contagious pathogens, in some cases to include dangerous Gain-of-Function research, with very little visibility or oversight.

It’s no exaggeration to observe that an enhanced bio-weapon, released into the world’s human population, could have civilization-ending consequences. More so than nukes. More so than chemical weapons. And the United States taxpayers were funding this. Now, a certain level of research is necessary, in no small part to learn how to counter a possible altered pathogen. But Ukraine? Seriously? Have we been funding biolabs in Ukraine? It would seem so. 

(Editor’s Note: Ward Clark hails from Alaska’s Susitna Valley, where he maintains his rural household in one of America’s last free places. Ward is a twelve-year veteran of the U.S. Army, including service in Operation Desert Storm and (in Germany in support of) Operation Joint Endeavor, and today is a staunch minarchist libertarian, along with being an author, novelist, and self-employed small businessman.)