[meteorite-list] Gotta love freedom of speech

[Notkin]

Rob McCafferty posted:

> I got hauled over the coals because I didn't do a risk assessment on  
> the likelyhood of contamination by microbial life from another world.
> Some jackass in the H&S department thought he knew more about  
> science than me.


Dear Rob:

That would be an absolutely hilarious story if it weren't also a  
tragic example of pig-headedness (not sure if that's a real word?).  
What's next: No laughing allowed on Sundays? I wouldn't be a bit  
surprised.

I once did a high school science fair demo about meteorites and  
meteorite hunting, and the lady organizing it was all worried about  
radiation. I assured her there was nothing to be concerned about, and  
that the florescent lights in the high school gym were likely putting  
out a lot more radiation than the meteorites. At least the school  
people I dealt with were nice about it.

Anyway, good for you for letting the kids touch a piece of the moon,  
and -- in my experience -- receiving an "official warning for  
misconduct" is frequently a measure of original thinking and good  
character  : )


Salut,

Geoff N.

www.aerolite.org
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www.meteoriteblog.org