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1 pledge of support. 
2 The National Institutes of Health has a 
3 responsibility, especially in matters of complexity 
4 and controversy, to be an educative organ, to 
5 encourage debate, to support the airing of diverse 
6 opinions, to initiate public discussion and reso- 
7 lution, to help raise with the average citizen 
8 the far-reaching value questions involved. Cumbersome? 
9 Perhaps. But if governmental agencies will not assume 
10 some such responsibility, we should not be surprised 
11 at democracy on its deathbed. 
12 Should the NIH guidelines be modified? When 
13 and in what manner will the citizens of Frederick be 
14 asked that question? My assumption, based on past 
15 history, is that this is their only chance. In my 
1g mind, that is socially irresponsible. 
17 The second reason for this testimony is more 
18 specifically related to the broader issue of the hearing, 
19 whether safety concerns can be modified and revised 
20 guidelines adopted. 
21 National Clergy and Laity Concerned has been 
22 focusing on concerns of human security. Most of that 
23 concern has been with the nuclear arms race and the 
24 threat posed by an increasingly radioactive environment. 
25 Our chapter in Western Maryland has added to that concern 
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