X-Message-Number: 6705
From:  (Thomas Donaldson)
Subject: Re: supporting research and the cryonics societies
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 1996 14:26:32 -0700 (PDT)

Hi again!

1. About the level at which cryonics societies support research: Gee, research
   is EXPENSIVE. And by growing, Alcor becomes more able to support research.
   I really don't think this situation merits the words "indefensible" or
   "embarassing"... either for Alcor or any other society. Moreover, 5% is
   not ZERO.

   One major issue in supporting research, in fact, is that each individual
   cryonic society contains only a subset of the resources available to the
   community of cryonicists. Wasn't that one of the major issues that started
   Paul off on Prometheus? Or do you believe that the necessary money can
   be raised entirely by one society?

2. I too would very much like to see all the societies involved, at least ACS,
   Alcor, and Cryocare. Has CRYOCARE taken a position on Prometheus? I don't
   mean its members, or its Board as individuals, but the society itself.

   And yes, that does involve more negotiation, ON BOTH SIDES. I would say
   that even for Cryocare. Societies carry more baggage (legal and other)
   with them than individuals.

3. It seems clear to me once more that one central issue anyone must grapple
   with in choosing to pledge or not to pledge money to Prometheus is simply
   that of the state of research in vitrification and its merits compared
   to other possibilities. As someone who believes it is really the current
   best choice, I can argue for it (not here --- this is a short message,
   and a good argument involves consulting references etc). But we should 
   not be frustrated when someone asks questions which assume that to be
   a question. It IS a question, and the biggest one Prometheus has to deal
   with.

			Best and long long life to all,

				Thomas Donaldson


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