EDITORIAL
Industry on Stage Congressional hearings have an important influence on the public's attitudes
dvancement of the goals of our democratic society has been both aided and complicated by science and technology. One of the most important problems is that of gaining understanding, as a basis for agreement, among individuals of sharply differing backgrounds, such as those in science, industry, and government. Government in our system undertakes to keep social change moving in pace with the works of science and industry. In this process the Congressional committee hearing has become a very important public stage. As Congress proceeds with its work, industry is often called upon to place its representatives in roles upon that stage. In some cases in recent years industry has given the impression of having underestimated the importance of those roles. Congress is finding its duties increasingly difficult. One of the reasons is the growing part science and technology play in our society. The social costs of our technical progress are becoming dramatically apparent, and help toward solving problems is being sought wherever it can be found. The executive branch of the Government has progressed notably in its use of scientists and technologists in developing its views and proposed solutions. In the legislative area less progress has been made. Industry has been called upon repeatedly, and these calls can be expected to continue. The serious responsibility
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to help shape the best path for our future, shared by all, includes assurance of sound rules under which industry can make constructive progress. Most of us are inclined to rely on what we think is common sense. This habit is fraught with dangers, for common sense in any pattern of thought depends upon the knowledge that supports it. Members of Congress are sensitive to the public vote, and what is carried to the public to shape the general "common sense" has an influence on legislation. Too often the public impression of industry that goes out from the Congressional stage is distorted or inadequate. Too often industry's presentation of its facts and views has been below what is needed in the highly developed techniques of the committee hearing. The Congressional stage should not be approached in amateur fashion. The actions that grow from what takes place there often are of critical importance to industry and to the shape of our society. Those actions can be as important to industry as what happens in its board rooms. They should be approached with no less professional competence.
JULY
29, 1963
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