While I risk opprobrium by posting more non-scientific comment to the list, I can't help but think that this message which came to me today, and my response (!) to it, will inflame and infuriate and otherwise entertain my colleagues to no end. I have removed reference to the respondent's name and home institution. (entire text of message follows:) > I am wondering why are you afraid to disclose your educational background? > Did you study Forestry or Sociology? From which institution did you > receive your degree? Why are you interested in terminology that can wrongly > affect public opinion instead on technical solutions to real technical > problems? > Technically un-qualified individuals shall not have the right to expess > their views on technical issues! > How much do you know in details of the effect of the method of logging > or harvesting on the ecology, growth and economics of a forest stand? For the record, sir, I am not "afraid" to disclose my educational background. I think my background is irrelevant. I note that you have not disclosed your institution and degree to me, so why should I be expected to do so to you? Credentials are not the point, in my opinion. The point which I seek to make is the profession has serious CREDIBILITY problems, and I am seeking to encourage foresters to address these issues, rather than hide behind their credentials and pontificate about how much they know and how little anyone else knows. The real failing I see in the profession is ARROGANCE, and I think your comment "technically unqualified individuals shall not have the right to expess (sic) their views on technical issues!" is as good an example of arrogance in forestry as I have seen in a while. I suggest you look at your own assumptions and value systems, and quit impugning my ability to think clearly and judge the merits and demerits of what foresters are doing to the forests of the world. If you care to reply, I would appreciate your addressing the issues rather than continuing with personal (ad hominem) attacks on me! David and, no, I don't think I'll tell you where I got my degree or what it's in, because I don't care about your background, only what's going on out on the ground in the woods. -------------------------------------- Again, my apologies for cluttering the list, but I think this points out the NEED for this type of discussion. I hope you agree, and I welcome your thoughts on my admittedly provocative ideas. David Orr DGORR@UCDAVIS.EDU Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are my own, and do not necessarily represent those of the University of California.
Mail converted by
MHonArc 1.1.0