He raised his head to address the whole floor. “This has gone far enough. If there were sound scientific reasons for questioning the claims that the Kronians are making, then of course this conference would be the place to hear them. But instead, it appears it’s being turned into a forum for making accusations that can only be described as scandalous.” Cries of “Hear, hear!” came from a few scattered places. Encouraged, Keene gripped the edges of the podium and looked around. “Very well. If that is the way it’s to be, then let’s have the full picture of things that have been happening, not unsupported insinuations or speculations about what might have happened. I would have preferred it if these matters had been referred to a more appropriate quarter.” Around the room, heads were shaking; others exchanged mystified looks. “However, since we have been turned in this direction, let’s talk about scientists I can name who have been intimidated by threats to their careers from voicing convictions to which years of intensive work have brought them; or about suppression of opposing views from the mass media by direct intervention to cancel already scheduled events at the last moment. Let’s talk about actual censorship of publishing conducted through organized boycotts and letter campaigns. . . . And I remind you all again, I’m referring to things that have taken place, not exercises in fancy about what might have.” Finally, Keene brought his eyes back down to where Voler was still regarding him from the floor, and pointed a finger. “And now the same person whose influence I can show as central to all the things I’ve just listed can stand here and make these kinds of allegations? . . .” Keene raised his hands in a brief appeal.
“I take it we’re referring to this wealth of evidence that would prove conclusive if the scientific community and the world at large were permitted to share it without prejudice. Is that it?” Voler fired up at him.
“Thank you. I couldn’t have put it better,” Keene acknowledged.
Voler seemed unfazed by Keene’s remarks but stood with his arms folded confidently. ” `Censorship.’ `Suppression,’ ” he repeated. “Our colleague, Dr. Keene, is quick in his use of strong words. We are accused of intervening in the activities of the media. But since when have the mass media constituted the proper channel for scientific discourse? It seems to me that what we’ve been seeing is more a case of the other side attempting to shortcut the regular process in order to create a jury of public opinion. When that happens, it’s inevitably because the case is incapable of withstanding rigorous scrutiny. Seen in that light, our actions would be more accurately described as moving to prevent the public from being stampeded into graphically and emotionally portrayed beliefs on the basis of suspect claims and half-baked evidence. Well, isn’t that what we have scientific institutions for? We’ve been reminded ceaselessly over recent months of the importance of the decisions that will be made as a result of these hearings. Very well, I’ll reiterate it. Let us be mindful of them.”
Approving murmurings came from the floor this time. Keene felt the foothold that had seemed so solid starting to slip. Gallian, still standing, was looking confused. Voler couldn’t be turning this around. “No!” Keene threw out over the hubbub. “This is not something out of the tabloids. We turned to a public forum precisely because the institutions that Professor Voler puts such trust in have refused to see the facts in front of them.” He extended an arm sideways. “The Kronians are scientists as competent as any in this room. The evidence they’re asking us to look at is as solid and verifiable as anything in your own laboratories.”
“Yes, we’ve just looked at an example of it,” Voler remarked derisively.
“You didn’t! You’re refusing to look at it!” Keene shouted.
“Based on data that no one this side of Saturn has seen; allegedly obtained from probes whose very existence we have to accept on faith. You call that verifiable?” Voler taunted.
“What you are insinuating is inexcusable!” Gallian protested again, recovering his voice and rallying with Keene.