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Often extreme views are ignored in the belief that any comment provides them with credibility. Agriculture and the biotech industries and indirectly the whole of society has suffered as a consequence of this. Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to be openly critical of groups holding extreme views on biotech issues is hopefully an attempt to redress the balance. (750 words)

The recent and tragic assassination of Pim Fortuyn, the colourful and controversial Dutch politician, raises serious concerns about activist groups to which the suspect was known to belong. While there can be absolutely no justification for this cowardly act, it has to be recognized that the assassin must have believed deeply that his act was justified. He almost certainly regarded himself as a martyr for what in his mind was a righteous cause.

That he was an extreme leftist, raises the question as to why his beliefs had been raised to the demented level they clearly had. But by reading publicity of activist groups, one can understand why a less than inquiring mind could be misled.

Activists are, of course, not alone in "exaggerating" or "being economical" with the truth. It is often seen as a failing of political spin doctors and advertizing in the world of commerce. But there are, of course, checks and balances in these two spheres.

The claims of politicians in a democratic society are subject to public scrutiny particularly when in doubt and eventually subject to judgement by the ballot box. In the world of commercial promotion, governments have established bodies to review and pass judgement on the verity of advertizing claims. And in the final analysis consumer trust is important to any business' long prospects.

If there are parallel limits on the claims of activist groups, it is their credibility with the press and media on whom they are very dependent for publicity for their causes. And here there is a natural incentive to go to the limit of credibility.

Any very dramatic claim is naturally valued copy by the fifth estate. Any claim that goes beyond the limits of credibility, of course, does not see the light of day and is not subject to public censure. But what is printed or broadcast even with disclaimers as to it veracity is validated in the process.

How often do we talk of what we read in the newspaper, heard on the radio or saw on television, without any question as to its source? The Dutch assassin had no doubt read, heard and seen much that would lead him to believe that the world was coming to an end and that he had a duty to mankind to avoid such a calamity by eliminating anybody of influence who did not share his view.

While it is a relative simple matter to figure out how extreme views can develop, it is more difficult to find immediate solutions. And not giving credence to views that are not politically correct addresses the symptoms rather than the cause.

In a theoretical context it may be possible to define the truth in terms of the results of objective and verifiable research. But often the research has not been undertaken, results are rarely absolute, and implications of low risk high implication circumstances difficult to assess.

Understandably the press and media are defensive over anything that even smells of censorship, even if they sometimes seem less than diligent in avoiding rotten copy.

Ultimately, judgement rests with the individual. And unfortunately it is not reasonable for all people to have sufficient understanding of all issues to make informed judgement. The best that can be hoped for is balance reporting and comment on issues of the day.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to speak out recently on issues such as genetically modified crops and animal rights where those with extreme views are particularly active should be welcomed by all except those who hold extreme views.

That he was openly critical of activists undoubtedly indicates concern not only of the loss in economic terms to society resulting from delays in adopting proven technology, but the dangers of letting the claims of activists groups going unchallenged.

It must often be tempting to dismiss extreme views as not worth addressing assuming that few put credence in them. And further that even addressing them gives them credibility. But the fate of Pim Fortuyn clearly indicates the danger of such a strategy. And it is even evident that the prime minister displayed physical, as opposed to political, courage in his criticism of extremists.

May 24, 2002