There probably is truth on both sides of this hissy fit. Academia and 
science are fairly intolerant toward views out of their mainstream. They 
are closed societies with quite a bit of peer pressure to conform. That 
is not how it is supposed to be, but we are human, not automatons.

Individuals do have opinions that are out of that mainstream and voice 
them privately. However, when asked directly and be put on record, they 
demure, since they know exactly what will happen.

It can be difficult separating the two, opinion and "established fact", 
since both may coincide or both may differ. Plus, any good scientist 
knows that opinion, although it may be true, must be backed up with 
scientific proof. Even if fact and opinion match, most would not want to 
be quoted on an on line forum such as the BeeL. Just look at how many 
posts on this list are misread. It is difficult to capture nuance or 
differentiate irony from plain-spoken in our "occasional" less than well 
thought out posts.

I have seen all of this on many occasions and sympathize with those who 
would not want to be quoted and be on the record whether the quote is 
accurate or not. Not worth the hassle. For those that do, I applaud your 
courage.

Bill Truesdell (who hears a knock on the door- the thought police again!)
Bath, Maine

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