February 19 » 1982 
65 Woolsley i^venue 
Trumbull, Gt 066II 
William Gartland, Elrector 
Office of Recombinant rWil Activities 
National Institutes of Health 
9000 Rockville Pike 
Bethesda, Md 20205 
Dear Mr. Gartland , 
I note in the Feb 1 ? issue of Chemical Week that you folks 
are reconsld erinf? your position, giving in to some extant to the 
busy-bodies and other protesters, and are about to again clamp 
doxm on DNA and relfited research — by way of added reguliitions and 
imped Iments • 
First, this whole controversy is stirred up by a bunch of 
activists who seek publicity, vjho look under the bed for terrorists 
every nirht and who are prime examples of ”a little knowledge is 
a dangerous thing”. They are in the same boat as the antl-florlde 
people, the anti-nuclear, and all the others. In short, they have 
become the zero-progress pe ople. Many other examples abound. 
Second, the "Frankenstein Monster" potential is much over- 
rated, and researchers in the field are responsible people who are 
not likely to endanger us. 
Third, much is to be gained from continued progress in this 
exciting field. You know this better than I — of the many promising 
lines now being pursued, and the many more possibilities open. 
please consider that for every such protester, there 
are thdusands, perhaps millions, who are not worried. I am worried 
— but, not because of the DNA, etc potential dangers, but (because 
of the poetntlal government hampering of progress. You can tie them 
up in knows — witness the nuclear situation! 
I suggest promoting legislation by Congress preventin'' any 
state or locality from going further thfm simply fenforcing any ex- 
Istin^r federal guidelines. I feel national legislators and much less 
likely to cave in to stipld obstructionists than town councils or 
even state assemblies. 
But — do nothing to hinder DNA research, pleas,e! 
Charles VT. Hawley 
Bh 203 268-3545 
[774] 
