Thank you for the information, Vergil.  I was curious about the outcome of your letter.  Fortunately, he's not in the Austin paper.

>>> Vergil Noble <[log in to unmask]> 05/18/2000 11:35:11 AM >>>
     I just called Dr. Gott's syndicate offices in New York (212.293.8500)
     and spoke with his editor, Ms. Allene Barber--a very cordial and
     reasonable person.  I told her that I was very disturbed by the way he
     changed the content and tone of my letter (the reprint was apparently
     not a hybrid, but simply his version of my original) and how I found
     it particularly troubling that he failed to amend his spurious medical
     opinion that there is no risk of disease.

     I read portions of my letter to Ms. Barber and then quoted Dr. Gott's
     version, telling her that I could understand editing for length but
     not making changes that made the writer appear rude and a bit of a nut
     case.  She saw my point and even admitted that I would have cause for
     legal action if he had published my name on the letter.

     She suggested that I send her a copy of my original and copy her on
     any future correspondence.  She said she never sees the actual letters
     he gets, and she is very concerned about his actions in this
     particular case.  So, if anyone else feels compelled to write Dr.
     Gott, I suggest that you "cc" Ms. Barber at the same address.  It may
     have a substantial impact.

     How about some of the SHA leadership giving him the "official" party
     line on letterhead?  Can we spare a copy of the recent thematic issue
     on privy research?