I’m not sure everyone is aware of the timing of the “new information… recently released by the Department of Homeland Security” referred to in Dr. Lee’s and Terry Hastings’ pouty letters to the editor on Mar. 26. In describing how they decided on their own initiative “act responsibly” and request on Aug. 14, 2007 for a downward revision of the projected NBAF economic impact numbers, they neglected to mention that the lower job numbers (on which the reduced economic projection was based) had been provided to them by DHS in February or March 2006.

Regardless of what or who motivated their belated decision to “act responsibly” in August or September 2007, Dr. Lee and Ms. Hastings knowingly acted irresponsibly for 18 months by touting the exaggerated economic impact figures while being fully aware that they were misleading the community. Now even the reduced economic impact figures are likely to require further downward revision because of the potential, perhaps substantial, added costs to Athens or the state for the “central utilities node” and/or other incentives, the exact details of which are presently being kept secret by UGA and DHS.

I do agree with Dr. Lee and Ms. Hastings on one thing: it is time to set the record straight. It is also past time for them to “act responsibly” by being forthcoming in their communications regarding NBAF.

Grady Thrasher, FAQ Inc.

Athens