April 22, 1970

Mr. Robert E. Ulanowics
6213 64 Avenue 6
E. Riverdale, Maryland 20846

Dear Mr. Ulanowicz,

Thank you for your comment on my colémn of April lith. I certainly
did not mean to convey a condemnation of every suggestion that we re-
examine the merits of economic growth for I have offered my own criticiam
on this point, including my column of a few weeks back. I regret that my
setence @kands itself to this interpretation but believe that this should
not prevail in the face of the rest of the article or even the remainder
of that paragraph. Parhaps I do believe that real economic growth is
algo possible without the distortions of profligate consumption but in any
event I would share with you the most peofound admiration of anyene who
could help us promote social justice and environmental conservation at the
same time. My impatience is with those who refuse to see the reconstruction
of the cities as a problem of high priority gw which we should be concentrating
our attention and our economic resources. This is hardly the trickling theory.

Rather than continue a private correspondence may I urge you to recast
your opinions as a letter to the editor of fhe Washington Post. Your point
is well taken and can be made without forcing me into a posture that I do
not in fact uphold.

Sincerely yours,

Joshua Lederberg
Professor of Genetics

JL/rr