What do you mean by "they own academia"? I don't know how that system works, really. All I know is there are public universities and private. Is it through the accreditation bodies? Or do you mean "own" more literally?

I'm sorta new to this stuff, so any links on where to start research would be appreciated.

Crazy, yes. Interesting, also yes. We're at the point where we need to entertain these ideas, because the truth is we don't know what's going on and we haven't for a long time.

Just fly to Mexico, walk across the border and request a free ride on a federally-funded jet to Tampa. No clot shot required!