So Ellen Berlin would like to bring up the topics of misinformation and ‘alarmist propaganda’ (‘Opponents to bio lab misinformed,’ Oct. 20, pg. 6). But let’s take a look at what she really has to say.

In her letter to the editor, Ms. Berlin writes, ‘the suggestion that bioweapons might be studied … is a lie.’ Let’s put aside our ‘alarmist propaganda’ for a second and deal solely with the facts. The proposed lab is a Biosafety Level 4 lab. Biosafety Level 4 labs deal solely with the most infectious and incurable pathogens in the world. Anthrax, ebola, and the plague are some of the least dangerous diseases this facility will be working on. If these diseases don’t fall under Ms. Berlin’s definition of bioweapons, I’d like to know what does.

She goes on to say that ‘Biosafety Level 4 labs have a stellar safety record.’ Clearly she must be overlooking the fact that the anthrax that was circulated to Congress and the media after Sept. 11 originated from the Biosafety Level 4 facility at Fort Detrick in Maryland. Of course, this is to say nothing of the power failure at a lab in Long Island that had scientists frantically duct taping doors to prevent any contamination. I wonder if this particular procedure is part of the federal safety standards and requirements that Ms. Berlin cites in her letter.

As for the community meetings she refers to, why have the requests for the notes of these meetings by community groups Alternatives for Community and Environment and SafetyNet been repeatedly denied by Boston University Medical Center officials?

If Ms. Berlin, or any other BUMC representative, would have taken the time to actually attend our meeting instead of merely responding to a picture she saw on the front page, maybe she would have learned some of these facts. And maybe she would have been able to openly address public concerns about this facility.

I hope Ms. Berlin and the entire BU community will believe me when I say that although we are against this lab, our main concern at this point is public awareness. BU is doing itself and the city a disservice by not being open and honest about this facility. This lab will have a huge impact on the entire city in terms of affordable housing, gentrification and employment, as well as public safety. Members of the community have a right to know the effects this lab will have on their lives.

Henry Joseph CAS ’03 Co-Director Boston Mobilization