Tom Morris <tmorris-NOSPAM@SPAMFREE.nh.ultranet.com> wrote: > "Richard A. Pence" <richardpence@pipeline.com> wrote: > > > I am sure you count me among the skeptics. I am not. > > "Richard A. Pence" <richardpence@pipeline.com> wrote earlier: > > > I think it's more expensive than it is worth and then > > Gee, Ardis, apparently you missed the Wall Street Journal article > > last month which gives all sorts of goodies that DNA testing has > > brought to genealogists. > > That doesn't sound like a skeptic at all. It sounds like someone > with their mind firmly closed (errr, made up). Dear Tom: I always count it a failure when my sarcasm is missed - especially when it is so blatant. It is true that this is a cold and literal medium, but even so the thought sometimes occurs to me that a closed mind may not be any worse than a thick head (er, ah ...). In another message you pointed to some sites where the results of DNA studies are well stated. I am familiar with both the Mumma and Pomeroy sites - particularly the former - and call your attention to the fact that neither of these studies makes claims such as those made in the Wall Street Journal story or are made among the "success testimonials" at the site of the DNA testing firm. In fact, the Mumma report explicitly provides a caveat to researchers pointing out that you cannot expect such results with DNA testing. That was and is my point. I consider both of these reports to be in support of that point. I really don't think you believe those claims, either, so I am perplexed as to why you appear to be defending them. Or do you indeed believe them? Is so, on what basis? As for the expense statement you quoted above, I have amplified that this is my current belief for our group and have stated the conditions that make more stones to be turned than I can possibly get to as it is - and most of them are a whole lot cheaper. If you believe these reasons are not valid - indeed, are the work of a "closed mind" - then say why instead of trying to make cute remarks. Or if you have five or ten thousand dollars you like to contribute for a Pence DNA study, I will be happy to waive my concerns about the cost involved. Richard "Richard A. Pence" <richardpence@pipeline.com>