Note from Paul, October 12, 1999

Dear BCN Group colleagues,

Now we have to resolve this, and find closure.

So I see the need to make a brief global response. And then ask that posts of replies be posted to a forum, or sent to ME only, so that I can repost. This way you will not get those automatic messages from the two forums telling you that you are not allowed to post to them!

I do not apologize for my attempt to draw senior scientists into this debate, as this is what I choose to, and have a right to, do.

First to the "political wisdom" that you shared with me about how not-appropriate it is to counter point the author in the NECSI forum, with what you call 'an insult'. My feeling is if the shoe fits then wear it, but if it does not fit then perhaps the political wisdom I offer you in return is to not give others the impression that I am insulting the complete science community. I do think that most who has read the NECSI discussion would agree that I have not insulted the entire science community. My admiration of science and mathematics is what lead me to twenty years of work in this community.

On the other hand the science and education institutions have huge problems, and these problems can not be fixed unless the 'intellectual authorities’ get off their compliancy, wake up, and fit the system. NSF should be the point on this but IT is not, IT is primarily interested in institution stability not innovations in thinking (in my humble and informed opinion.) DARPA and NIST have even greater problems.

You as well as anyone know the issues of which I speak. It is entirely appropriate for some of us to take a broad and yet grounded attack on an institution of science that often hides behind the notion that it is ok to be incompetent, and ignore the problems in getting the science correct.

Respectfully.. Paul Prueitt