Dear Gary Trujillo:
I would like to thank you for your moderation in the dispute that has
been played out, in part, on NATIVE-L the past 2 weeks. While I doubt the
dust has finally settled, I do think some light has been cast on some
important issues.
I want to take this relatively quiet moment to comment on the dispute
in more general terms. It was best said in an email message I recieved two
weeks ago by Carol Jenkins, which, since I have such rudimentary control
over my email system, I must paraphrase. Her comment on the RAFI - PNG gene
patent - HGDP uproar was that it was a sad commentary on a) the failure of
molecular biologists to inform non-scientists on the nature of their work
and b) the very bad state of relations that exists, generally, between the
developed and underdeveloped communities world-wide. I could not agree
more. I can only hope that more dialogue in a variety of media, most
importantly on a face to face basis, can at least start to bring us to a
place of mutual understanding and, let us hope, eventual trust. There are a
number of real devils who wish to exploit and control others - some of these
exist in the world of science, and some exist in the world of the heretofore
(and continuing) exploited. We do have a common interest in exposing those
people and working to weaken their interests.
One generalization - I don't think anyone involved in this dispute is
satisfied with the status quo with regard to the (human or viral) gene
patent situation, including the folks at the IMR. Henry Greely suggested a
legal mechanism in one email called the "Orphan Drug" law or precedent as an
alternative to the general practice of patenting that was attractive to
him. It is such a peculiar sounding thing that I do recall him mentioning
it in some earlier circumstance - but never describing it in any detail. I
would like to hear or see a description of that from him.
As soon as I get a copy of the NIH "withdrawal" of the Solomons HTLV-1 gene
patent case, I will notify you.
With best wishes,
Jonathan Friedlaender (if you wish, you may post this)