Until all speakers acquire some semblance of courtesy and moderators attain sufficient courage to restrain speakers who intrude on the time of others, rudeness and weakness will determine what scientific information is conveyed to the audience. I have yet to encounter a flagrantly rude female speaker. Doubtless the opportunity will arise as equality is achieved in academe. John Cairns Jr., is a University Distinguished Professor, Department of Biology, and director of the University Center for Environmental and Hazardous Materials Studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,, Blacksburg, VA 24061. 1989 American Institute of Biological Sciences.
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