Science Risks

Spence Carlsen’s letter (Feb. 14) likening frost-resistant bacteria on strawberries to DES hormone or the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant overlooks the fact that advancement may involve some risk.

Such reasoning used to say that if God had meant for man to fly he would have given him wings. The real issue is whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks.

I will “seriously contend” that the possibility of increased agricultural productivity is more than an “economic motive,” and I am sure that people starving to death in Africa would agree.

FRANK L. POWELL

San Diego