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From: (Raymond Whritenour)
Subject: [DNA] Complaints about Posts
Date: Wed, 30 Jul 2003 00:15:53 -0400 (EDT)


List Members:

The idea that every post on this list must include both DNA and
genealogy, as topics, is simple-minded, to put it kindly. Almost every
field of knowledge can contribute something to our understanding of
these two topics, and to ignore all these other disciplines--no matter
how peripheral to our main concerns--would leave us with tunnel vision.
For instance, when it was proposed by two geneticists ("DNA"), in a
scientific article, that the break-up of the Indo-European and Celtic
linguistic stocks ("genealogy") could be accurately dated to 8100 B.C.
and 3200 B.C., respectively, this information would have remained the
only "postable" item on this subject, on our list. However, it took an
article on linguistics (neither "DNA" nor "genealogy") to shatter the
silly theories of the geneticists. This information would be disallowed
by this strict formula.

Again, where would we be without John Chandler's contributions from
mathematics and statistics?

For myself, I love hearing how history, geography, linguistics,
mathematics, archaeology and anthropology all have something to teach us
regarding DNA and genealogy. Of course, some of the threads go on too
long, but I think the moderator normally ends them in a timely fashion.
(I don't mean that we shouldn't exercise any restraint, ourselves, but
if we can't, then, that's why there is a moderator.)

As for the "bristling:" Have you ever read anything by the great
scholars of the late nineteenth century? They were always sparring with
each other; and, in language we can't hope to emulate, today. It keeps
everybody honest and on their toes! Nobody's getting hurt.

Keep those indigenous rights posts coming! : )

Ray Whritenour

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