X-Message-Number: 15593
From: "George Smith" <>
References: <>

Subject: ABC News 100% positive - Probable historical turning point for public 
acceptance of cryonics
Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 21:13:24 -0800

If the measure of public acceptance of anything is molded by its treatment
by the mass media (and I do strongly believe it is) then the ABC prime time
news piece with Peter Jennings covering the Cryonics Institute which aired
this week probably marks the turning point for moving cryonics from "fringe"
and mindless ridicule,  to mainstream acceptance.

I noted no snide humor nor interviews with dissenting "experts".  It was,
refreshingly, just a direct news piece which described cryonics as
"scientific", offered a possible explanation for how nanotechnology might
restore patients to life, and ended on an entirely positive and optimistic
note.

It was also satisfying to hear the $28,000 figure quoted as a base instead
of the usual $120,000 figure which carries unfortunate sticker shock for
those listening for the first time.

I do not believe this kind of mass media completely positive treatment has
ever happened in the mainstream media before.  I find it significant that it
was on a major network news for prime time.

I would urge anyone with video streaming capabilities on their internet
browsers to go to the ABC news segment while it remains available and see
for yourself.

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/WorldNewsTonight/wnt010208_cryonics_featu
re.html

 If that link does not work try www.cryonics.org and go to their "What's
New" page for another link.

My congratulations to everyone who has labored over the years to get a "fair
shake" in the news media.  Your persistence has finally started to pay off.

Good work!

George Smith

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