Rocketdyne Critic

* Re “Rocketdyne Studies,” Ventura County letters, Oct. 29.

In responding to the letter by Phil Rutherford of West Hills, I must point out that Rutherford is an executive of Rocketdyne and thus has a definite bias in his criticism of Dan Hirsch.

I cannot believe his audacity in refuting Hirsch as a scientist. After attending countless meetings with Hirsch over the past 11 years, I have nothing but great admiration for his vast scientific knowledge.

I sat on the advisory panel for the epidemiological study at Rocketdyne with Hirsch and some of the top scientists from across the country. Hirsch’s scientific comprehension was not only equal to but often above that of the renowned scientists. He thoroughly understands a technical situation and can explain it lucidly to those of us who lack a scientific background.

Additionally, many of the professional “scientists” of our public agencies have been put on the spot by some of Hirsch’s probing, scientific questions. There have been several occasions when a scientist from one of the public agencies has presented information and Hirsch has astutely found errors or pointed out discrepancies.

I feel far more justified in accepting Hirsch’s scientific assessment than that of Rocketdyne or our public agencies. History has proven that he is usually correct. Let us give credit where credit is due. Dan Hirsch has been a scientific savior of the people.

BARBARA JOHNSON

Susana Knolls