I have never posted a thought, opinion, or article on any online forum (outside of my profession, which, for obvious reasons, I won't mention here), before. Partly because I never could figure out how, and mostly because I never thought that what I had to say was worth a piddle.
Well, then come a few emails in my inbox regarding David Koch getting a seat on the board of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. In my mind, this is a little like former Rep. Paul Broun being named the president of the New England Journal of Medicine. Then I remembered that, in my pile of "bills to be paid" was a personalized letter from the Friends of the Smithsonian, asking for my continued support. I am proud to have done so for many years. Please read on to see the letter I wrote to Mr. John Perell about this request:
April 1, 2015
John Perell
Friends of the Smithsonian
P.O. Box 9016
Pittsfield, MA 01202-9016
Dear Mr. Perell,
I have been a supporter of the Smithsonian Institution for several years, as a Friend of the Smithsonian, and an Adopt-a-Library supporter. I believe in the Smithsonian as an educational institution and a leader in scientific research, and, as such, fulfills James Smithson’s bequest for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men”. Therefore, the Smithsonian Institution should hold itself to the high standards of legitimate scientific inquiry and dissemination of said knowledge.
That is why I am most dismayed to hear that David Koch now holds a seat on the board of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. If I have learned nothing else about Charles and David Koch, it is that they are ruthless corporate robber barons of the worst type. Any of their philanthropic efforts are a charade to divert attention from their agenda to pervert the public’s knowledge about the damage their products and industry do to our environment to preserve their business interests and cash flow. Indeed, they and others like them have already bought our federal government such that America is no longer a democracy but a corporate plutocracy. Now, if they succeed in changing the way the public is educated about pretty much everything, then we may all become mindless minions in their grand scheme.
I refuse to play the serf to these lords. So, I regret to inform you that, while David Koch sits on the board of your Natural History Museum, I will not contribute anything of value to the entire Institute, nor purchase subscriptions of the Smithsonian magazine for the Adopt-a-Library program. It truly bothers me to not contribute to institutions of knowledge, but my principles must take precedent. I hope to hear about David Koch’s departure from the Museum’s board either in the press or from you personally in the near future.
Sincerely,
DamYankee