SOLOMON GARB MO. FA C P 
7159 south FRANKLIN WAY 
LITTLETON COLORADO 80122 
October 4, 1979 
Dr. Donald Fredrickson 
Director 
National Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, MD 20014 
Dear Dr. Fredrickson, 
I oppose the proposed exemptions of the Recombinant DNA 
Advisory Conmittee. The detailed scientific reasons can all be 
boiled down to one point - there is inadequate evidence of safety. 
In effect, we have the verdict first and the trial is to follow, 
a trial that properly should take at least 20 years. 
The most objectionable feature of this entire procedure is 
the unbraked, unbalanced drive of a handful of scientists to 
have their own way, regardless of the wishes of the nation as 
a whole and regardless of the risks. 
Even if the exemptions do prove harmless after years have 
passed, the method by which they were handled can be extremely 
damaging to the nation and eventually to science if they set a 
precedent. In effect, a group of scientists, most of them pro- 
ponents of unrestricted or only marginally restricted recombinant 
DNA research, set up a mock trial. They served as attorneys for 
both sides, witnesses and jury. Then, the decision was made by 
only 10 of 25 members. The procedure is a travesty and an af- 
front to democratic principles. 
If science becomes the master of the people, it will even- 
tually prove to be a bad master. If science is the servant of 
the people, it will be a most beneficial servant. The DNA group 
are already acting like masters, and arrogant masters at that. 
After only two years of experience, this group confidently 
proclaims the safety of their procedures. History warns us to be 
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