Science and Policy

John A. Moore (Science, Common Sense and Our Public Fears,” Commentary, Aug. 12) presents a reasonable-sounding position on the role of scientists in informing social policy decisions. He also appears to be so politically naive that he might as well be from another planet.

Moore would rely on the opinions of “mainstream” scientists. What this ignores is the relationship most “mainstream” scientists have with the profit-driven corporations that employ them. The problem is compounded because our elected representatives are so very often beholden to the same corporations. Academic institutions are as likely as not dependent on federal funds. In some cases their hands are tied outright by legislation prohibiting some kinds of research.

Organizations such as Greenpeace, The Heritage Foundation, and Ralph Nader’s Public Citizen provide some alternatives--but they all have their own agendas as well. Only when we clean up Congress--perhaps with public funding of campaigns--will we begin to see real advancement.

JOHN D. BALTIC

Hollywood