I think we've been through this a couple dozen times a half dozen years ago.
Would you rent an apartment next door to someone
who was producing aerosolized anthrax that floated like smoke
under a hood on a small scale?
You didn't answer last time I asked.
Please answer this time.
I don't know if you ever have done an experiment in your life.
But try this one:
Try smoking a cigarette or cigar under a hood
on a small scale
and make sure not one particle of smoke escapes.
(One floating particle of anthrax is sufficient to kill someone)
You give me $100,000 if you are not successful.
Do you take me on?
(I think I asked you that one once before, too)
Forget about 'my friend'.
I'm just asking you to get real.
(Sorry if the need for a BL4 lab doesn't conform to your theories)
I asked:
“why couldn’t be done under a hood on a small scale?”
You responded.
“I think we’ve been through this a couple dozen times a half dozen years ago.”
Allan, I realize you have someone at Porton Down who is expert on such an issue and realize you don’t make the point casually. As for published reports, I will gather up the names of 5 scientists who say a BL-3 is sufficient for everyone you name who thinks a BL-4 is sufficient. Then we can weed out from my list any who you persuade me are not qualified to speak to the question (by reason of lack of experience). I’m sure many quoted experts are speaking beyond their learning on the subject. I would even be glad to contact the Porton Down scientist you name to explain to her what is published about the views of these other experts. My view of ATCC and the Center for Biodefense, coioncidentally, are from someone with BL-4 experience who called me and said that Ali had unrestricted access to ATCC facilities given ATCC co-sponsored his program and so there are BL-4 people I could call.
My personal answer is that it was charged AFTER insertion into the envelope — but that’s so cutting edge and top secret that I had to make it up without the benefit of a credentialed expert. I make the offer of cited expertise only on the debate generally of BL-3 versus BL-4. And I’d also be glad to contact anyone you like for emailed confirmation their view hasn’t changed. I’m always open to learning something but can’t rely on some web poster’s unsupported assertion.
I think Mr. Redacted from TrebelRebel’s email may prove to be from Battelle rather than Ft. Detrick, which would be a powerful point and consistent with what you are argue assuming Battelle has a BL-4. If you are right, it may be the key to understanding the whole case. Catherine Herridge knows this and should press on the point.
Who did have a BL-4 at the time? Plum Island? — which Ft. Detrick people were asked about in early polygraphs. Who else?
Perhaps the minimum requirement for an expert should be that they’ve worked in a BL-3. (A judge otherwise would exclude their testimony upon a motion to strike).
One question I have is about the actual mailing.
Consider: You've finished up in your BL4 facility, and now it's time to drive up to Princeton and mail the letters. What do you use to contain the letters during the trip? Now it's time to park and walk to the mailbox and drop the letters. How do you physically do it? A space suit would be highly indiscreet and might scare the sorority girls if any are around. Maybe you just take plenty of Cipro. Would that be sufficient?