some? Perhaps* But If governmental agencies will not assume some 
such responsibility we should not be surprised at democracy on Its 
death bed. Should the NIH guidelines be modified? When, and In 
what manner, will the citizens of Frederick be asked that question? 
My assumption, based on past history Is, this is their only chance. 
In ay mind, that Is socially Irresponsible* 
The seoond reason for this testimony Is more specifically related 
to the broader Issue of the hearing, whether safety concerns can be 
modified and revised guidelines adopted* 
National Clergy and Laity Concerned has been focusing on concerns 
of Human Security. Most of that concern nas been with the nuclear arms 
race and the threat posed by an Increasingly radioactive environment. 
Our chapter In Western Maryland has added to that concern the 
biological revolution, and the dangers posed to humankind by genetic 
research. 
We have concluded that the technical discussions about facility 
classification, and all the steps taken to Insure containment, are 
of great Immediate Importance and the present guidelines should be 
contlnuedi but that ultimately the discussions, kinds of facility 
and guidelines are simply Irrelevant. They are probably most 
helpful In relieving the conscience of the technicians, but most 
unlikely, over time, to prevent serious threats to human security. 
Already, recombinant products* threats to human security Included, 
are becoming the responsibility of other government agencies like 
PDA and EPA (with less than spotless records), and those who do the 
research move farther and farther from accepting responsibility for 
the products. 
Now perhaps we would have a more optimistic view of the future 
If our roots were elsewhere or our Immediate experience were 
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