Partly because this recognition was so belated, and she had lost her beauty and willingness to appear formally in public, she demurred from accepting, if she was required to attend a public gathering. It is important to respect her wishes in this matter, if an EFF award is given. But they do not diminsh the remarkable, and well ahead of its time, technological achievement incorporated into this patent. Even the articulate and prominent George Gilder has trouble promoting these revolutionary ideas, and I know who hard it is to make people believe that it works. This invention was individual American technological Pioneering at its best.
Formal recognition is overdue on the merits of the invention alone.
Also contributing to my reasons for making this nomination, is that the contrast in the public mind, of a woman, a beautiful one at that, whose native intelligence and willingness to act on her political convictions and technological insight, even though her career was as far from technological development as one could imagine, and during a period of an uncertain, international, personal future, makes this story one which can also capture the public imagination, and further the cause of technological 'pioneering' by women. But being a woman, with an assured career in acting, she was disuaded from following that path. Although it was Dr. Kettering who suggested that Hedy and George pursue a Patent. The story can be an inspiration and encourage other young women, apart, and even in spite of their other talents or attributes, and young men with other, unrelated, careers, to pursue and contribute technological ideas for the common weal.