X-Message-Number: 8310
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 1997 15:52:57 -0400 (EDT)
From: Charles Platt <>
Subject: Ettinger on Visser

On Wed, 11 Jun 1997, Robert Ettinger wrote:

> 2. The AIDS news seems very positive--medically, politically, and
> financially.

I believe it is misleading, irresponsible, and dishonest to make such a
vague statement implying that there has been medical progress toward an
AIDS cure, when some readers may not realize that the South African
Medicines Control Council prohibited further use of the "cure" earlier
this year after it was found to contain dimethylformamide (DMF), which is
a known carcinogen that can cause fatal liver damage. 

> Their support is rapidly increasing,
What does this mean? Who is providing increased support?

> as well as their funding.
What funding, from where, how much, and under what conditions?

> "Resistance is crumbling."
Whose resistance? What on earth do these vague statements mean? Are they 
vague because you have no information, or is this simply a way for Olga 
Visser to maintain face and avoid accountability?

> There is further evidence of non-toxicity and high
> efficacy.
Where is this evidence? The manufacturer's packaging of dimethylformamide
(an industrial solvent) is plastered with health warnings. Is Ms. Visser
telling us that she knows more about the compound than the manufacturer
does? 

> Their drug "Virodene" is nonmutagenic and noncarcinogenic in 
> primates.
How can you possibly justify reiterating such an assertion without any
supporting evidence? 

> There are further specifics, not yet cleared for publication.
Of course. As usual.

I am appalled by this message, which blandly ignores dozens of news 
reports, in the South African press and even in the New York Times, 
divulging the content of "Virodene" and confirming that it is a) 
carcinogenic and b) does not cure AIDS.

Cryonicists are a stubborn bunch (myself included) but Mr. Ettinger's
message sets a new benchmark in willful stubbornness measured by refusal
to acknowledge, address, or be guided by known facts. I realize that as
one of Ms. Visser's sponsors he has a vested interest in her work, and it
must be tempting to believe that something may still come of it,
regardless of four failed demonstrations, the revelation by Fred
Chamberlain that supposedly resuscitated rat hearts were not actually
immersed in liquid nitrogen, and a subsequent national scandal involving
her "research" on AIDS patients who apparently were given "Virodene"
without properly informed consent. But does a $25,000 investment and a
public endorsement of someone who turned out to be a well-intentioned
charlatan mean that you can never, ever bear to admit that a mistake has
been made? 

--Charles Platt

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