X-Message-Number: 6151
Date: Tue, 7 May 1996 12:52:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: Charles Platt <>
Subject: The Invitable Cosenza

David Cosenza writes:

> Charles Platt (vice-president of CryoCare) announced in message #6143 
> that Timothy Leary has uncerimoniously been refused cryopreservation 
> services by Biopreservation.

I announced nothing of the sort. As has now become apparent, Leary himself
had moved toward a position of not wanting cryopreservation services. This
was his final step after persistently and obstinately refusing many other
forms of care (such as free 24-hour nursing). Circumstances at the house,
which he could have corrected quite easily, made it virtually impossible
to provide standby, even if he had wanted it, which he didn't. I tried to
allude to this when I stated in my message that BioPreservation services
are still reliably available to EVERYONE WHO WANTS THEM (in CryoCare). 
I'm sorry you didn't pick up on this, David. I thought it was obvious 
enough. 

> He alluded to frustrations involved (odd 
> since the withdrawal was "cordial"),

Not odd at all. As you are now aware, Dr. Leary was cordially bidding us 
farewell because he had no personal interest in our being there, even 
while he continues to admire cryonicists generally.

> as well as legal and logistical 
> risks that CryoCare and BPI are apparently ill-equipped to handle at this 
> stage in their development

Well, Dave, you have previously characterized BioPreservation as a 
company that plays fast and loose and takes all kinds of risks. Now you 
characterize it as being reluctant to take risks. I get the impression 
from this that you are not making serious comments, but merely slinging 
any kind of mud that comes to hand. Am I right?

> only that CryoCare is still responsible for Leary, but also that Leary 
> somehow appreciated being left out in the cold like this and characterized 
> the culprits as being "heroes".

A pity you rushed your statement into email before understanding any part 
of the situation. I hope it is now clear. Leary continues to admire 
Mike's work and does indeed regard him as a "hero" (with characteristic 
Learyesque overstatement), even while he no longer has a personal 
interest in being frozen. 

> I know that if my service provider ever 
> dumped me I would raise caine, but then I am not signed up with the CryoCare
> family of companies. I'd be wondering just how reliable cryonicists are.

At no time was Timothy Leary "dumped." Do you really want to get sued 
again, David? It wastes everyone's time.

> Also, if Platt has no right to publicize Leary's personal 
> life, then I don't see how he could follow that up with "In due course we 
> [CryoCare] will offer a detailed discussion of all the various events 
> and issues involved."  Hmmm.

I was trying to indicate that after Timothy Leary's legal death, I will
feel freer to talk about some aspects of this case. This is customary in
your organization too, David. 

> At this point, I cannot see how CryoCare can assure its members that BPI 
> will be there for them to provide them with a "high quality suspension"
> in light of what has happened (and why), and I think that they owe everbody 
> an explanation. In my opinion, the ONLY options for cryonic suspension are 
> the operations that have long track records for for following through when 
> the going gets rough and courageously standing by thier patients. 

BioPreservation expended more time and money attempting to provide care
for Timothy Leary than any organization has ever expended, pre-mortem, on
any patient, so far as I am aware. Since BioPreservation is the only
cryonics service provider with an MD on its staff, it is uniquely equipped
in this respect. Since Dr. Leary has now decided not to opt for cryonics
with ANY service provider, the expenses incurred by BioPreservation with
its pre-mortem care are very unlikely to be reimbursed. I would say this
indicates considerable dedication, wouldn't you? 

I realize you have a never-ending supply of bile, David, so I fully expect
more to come, but for the time being I believe I have satisfied your
rather predictable objections. 

--CP


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