[USCC] Comments on Vol 28, #8 re The Rubins

[Edo McGowan]

Al, interesting comments and fiction? Don’t crow too loudly, however. I did not post or re-post the information from Epstein. Unfortunately, what you have noticed in messages # 2 and #4 and discussed in #5 is a misrepresentation of my work. Some error is at work here and thus there is no basis for your comments. As with you, I am comfortably retired and enjoying life.

Jim, something is warranted here as I have rechecked my out box—sent messages and there is no such posting by me. I would like you to recheck this and ascertain from whom it was sent. I think this phantom work is unfortunate but does point out that a potentially dangerous flaw may exist to which we are all exposed. I can see where a malevolent hand could misrepresent an opposing view. Thus once out there, this can destroy the validity of the list serve as an open exchange of scientific ideas---however contentious to some the subject may be. A form of de-facto censoring thus may accrue to this type of activity, hence we may find that soon science flows from authority and dogma directs science---something I would hope none of us would condone, but some might. 

Cheers------------------Edo 
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Message: 5 Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 10:30:11 -0400 From: "The Rubins" <rubinhial at cox.net> Subject: Re: [USCC] Compost Digest Vol 29, #1, et seq, continuing discussion between Al Rubin, Rufus To: "US Composting Council Compost Discussion List" <compost at composter.com> Message-ID: <002701c6a688$db680bf0$8c1b6444 at D9KT3811> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=original 

Edo: >From your posting, I believe that we have come to the end of our discussion on the safety and efficacy of biosolids and biosolids composts. I leave you with the comments of Elliot Epstein that you sent into the USSC List serve late last night. Elliot hit the nail on the head by emphasizing the enormous amounts of biosolids-based composts that have been produced and successfully marketed and used with superb results without ONE DOCUMENTED human health impact reported. That is the observation that forms my position. It is your responsibility to go out and actually obtain peer reviewed data on either biosolids, biosolids composts, soils, food crops, etc, to sway me or any other member of this List Serve from that position. Citing Japanese studies of pathogen resistant microbes in raw sewage just doesn't cut it (this from one of your earlier postings to this List Serve). I leave it to other members of this List Serve to continue to debate you. As for your solicitation to the "industry" to employ your services, my advice to you is don't quit your day job. 

Cheers Alan 

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From: "The Rubins" <rubinhial at cox.net> Subject: Re: [USCC] Vol 28, Issue 26, Biofuels vs composting and land spreading To: "US Composting Council Compost Discussion List" <compost at composter.com> Message-ID: <000701c6a66d$b38a28e0$8c1b6444 at D9KT3811> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1"; reply-type=original

 Edo: You are to be commended for resubmitting (?) the comments of Professor Elliot Epstein. I am glad to see that you finally recognize the value and safety of compost for managing a significant portion of biosolids in the US. 

Cheers Alan