[ebarker]

One more quick but important point.

Way Way Way back in time I grew up in 'tobacco' country. I'm familiar with the subject way more than most people. I'm not in the business and I know plenty of people that are quite glad to be out of the business.

But there is a big point here that is related to FIRST.

"Back in the Day" from about 1607 to about 30 years ago, tobacco was considered to be a wonderful thing that helped build this country........... long story (it is on the walls of the Capital Rotunda). It was highly culturally acceptable. Today it is very negative as it should be.

I watched this cultural change process move things from positive to negative over a long period of time.


Today, FIRST is doing the same type of cultural change with the public perception of engineering, science, and technology. Changing our culture to celebrating the values of FIRST is a very doable thing. It may take 30 years but it is doable and it is happening and we are all part of it.

I think it is important that we don't run down some ideological rat hole and argue amongst ourselves but that we go forward and work inside of these companies as engineers, scientists, and business people to help transform themselves into the most sustainable responsible company that is possible.