David L. Johnson

Scientific Advisor and Program Manager

Schlumberger-Doll Research

Ridgefield, Connecticut

24 August 2001

Marc Brodsky (via e-mail)

CEO and Executive Director

American Institute of Physics

One Physics Ellipse

College Park, Maryland 20740

Dear Dr. Brodsky,

I have received a letter detailing accusations of unfair labor practices by Physics Today in the firing of Jeff Schmidt. On the face of it, if the facts as stated in the letter are correct, Physics Today would appear to have trampled upon Dr. Schmidt's rights of free speech. Of course, the letter did not detail Physics Today's side of the matter, which is probably quite different.

Accordingly, I would like to strongly recommend that PT publish an open account of this issue, allowing the Schmidt side to present its story as well as providing Physics Today an opportunity for a rebuttal.

I can think of no better way of serving the physics community on this issue.

David L. Johnson