95 
1 assistant in a laboratory studying photosynthetic 
2 bacteria, I believe I can offer a unique perspective 
3 to the public policy questions that arise from 
4 recombinant DNA research. There are many others 
5 who will go into depth and have gone into depth on 
6 the specific technical aspects of it. 
7 I would like to state at the outset that 
g to me, quite clearly, the decision-making on this 
9 issue has been dominated by a scientific community 
10 that is enamored with visions of new discoveries and 
11 exciting breakthroughs. I am not surprised. Many of 
12 these visions may well be fulfilled. Recombinant 
13 DNA research technology is a very powerful biological 
14 tool. And the NIH, I believe, has responded to this 
15 enthusiasm, but has not responded to statements 
16 calling for caution. 
17 Statements throughout the introduction 
1g refer to, and I quote, "overwhelming sentiment," page 
19 33043; "growing sentiment," page 33044; and "general 
2 Q endorsement," page 33051. This seems to be used as 
21 the justification for initiating the relaxation of 
22 standards. The fact that this "sentiment" and 
23 "endorsement" consists almost exclusively of those 
24 with a vested interest in rapid, unfettered research 
25 has conveniently been set aside. 
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