Come now, Stephen-
I suppose we shall just have to let others decide for themselves whether or not you suggested racism as a candidate on the short list of reasons why Dr. Lee has been the subject of such interest. I suspect you, as a freelance writer, know very well the import of and the impression left by your words. Granted, unlike others on this thread, you did not come out and directly charge that Dr. Lee's problems were the result of racism. If you want to get persnickety, I never said you did. But your tone was simply not that of a dispassionate investigation of "the reasons why people might conclude that racism was involved". You also made no effort to distance yourself from the charge of racism, and you referred to it as a possibility in very strong language. I don't think you can deny that with a straight face, and frankly I doubt you would be shocked if some of your readers came away with the impression that Dr. Lee was the victim of racism- although I'm beginning to wonder if, like the Inspector in Casablanca, you might feign such shock.
<<I haven't heard anything about plans for a trial. >>
I really think you are playing games here. Lee has been investigated by the law enforcement authorities. They weren't conducting an investigation for the fun of it. Criminal prosecution was (is?) a possible culmination of their efforts. These authorities would have to proceed with that contingency in mind. But, so far, the evidence does not appear sufficiently compelling to warrant prosecution. Happens all the time.
<<But if you come out and accuse him of spying for China, and then fail to prosecute, you raise serious questions about your motives.>>
Who is "you" here? I am unaware of anyone in the DOJ or DOE making a specific accusation in this regard. His case has generated a fair amount of interest because of its political and security implications.
The utterly crazy thing here is, you even admit to "pointing out that in the absence of supporting evidence, racism is a logical conclusion." I don't think that is such a long remove from my statement that "Your suggestion of racism on the part of those who handled Lee's case is utterly unsupported" that triggered this tempest in a teapot.
Larry
P.S. With regard to Ron Bower's on-target post, I will allow you the luxury of a last word on this subject. But I don't intend to comment on it further, and I hope others can allow this topic to die a death that will be unlamented by most people on the thread. |
