Thank you for a good reply, but I'll still push back on your general conclusion. They can do nearly all of that from Canada, the only exception that they won't face arrest for doing so.

The larger point: I think "slightest bit" is way underselling what we've seen over the last couple months. Attacks on the academic systems, legal systems, and of course on the most vulnerable people in society. I think we're already at "really hairy", and waiting to "flee" until the administration is executing professors in the street is too late.

To make a different point: not everyone can do their best resisting while under serious pressure. Not everyone is a fighter. We need medics, we need logistics, we need reporters, we need people abroad supporting us. If they can't handle the pressure, but will keep up the flight from afar, then more power to them. It doesn't necessarily make them cowards, but cognizant of their own needs and how they can best help. Maybe they are fleeing out of cowardice, but the point I'm trying to make is that it isn't a given.