Last word

Abstract

Let me make clear to the reader that this modest debate has taken on a life of its own. When Herb Marlowe invited Dr. Lamb and me to debate on the subject of prevention I assumed, as I think Lamb did, that we would have a stimulating evening arguing good-naturedly in front of the live audience in Tampa, each of us with a support person: Dr. Goldston with me and Dr. Zusman with him. And that would be the end of it. I spoke from a few notes on the back of an envelope, and I assume that Dr. Lamb was similarly “prepared.” But our words were captured by the objective permanence of electronics, and we were later asked to correct (not edit) the transcript to be sure it reflected what we said. Then still later a baker's dozen of experts was asked to comment on our remarks. (Understand, we were asked to agree to all of this—and we did.) But if we were to begin again, I think I would have prepared my remarks with somewhat more care, and perhaps Dr. Lamb would have too. Now our debate is to become archival, with publication in a professional journal. I have been given, as has Dr. Lamb, a chance to comment on the commentators' contributions. My response will be brief.