From: Jerry Hudson 
To: atm{at}shore.net
Reply-To: Jerry Hudson 


I'm going to add my 2 bits to what "quantemlp" (be nice to have a
more personal handle for him/her) said.

This isn't the place for postings about political or national quarrels.

Let me explain why I think this is in exceedingly bad form:

The ATM List has brought together a large number of like-minded folks -
most of us, while of course concerned about recent atrocities and perhaps
over- reaction to them, are more interested in the peaceful pursuit of
science and technology for the benefit of all people, and the enlightenment
of all.

We have contributors from many walks of life and many nations.  These
nations often stand at opposite poles on some of the biggest questions
confronting this planet.  Yet, we get along, at least most of us. I say we
should stand as an example of people of science freely exchanging
information with one another, and showing the way to international
cooperation.

I remember reading that, when Napoleon overran what is now Germany, the
mathematician Gauss was forced to pay 2000 francs to the emperor because he
held a professor's post in the occupied country.  He of course refused; but
the matter was quietly dropped when members of the French Academy raised
the money.  This is the spirit of cooperation we should follow.  (I hope
Napoleon enjoyed his 2000 francs while wasting away on the isle of St.
Helena.)

To be sending one another political/nationalistic barbs won't do for this
fine bunch of people.

- Jerry Hudson

--- BBBS/NT v4.00 MP