Read other letters about this article

• Tuesday, August 5, 2008 12:08 PM

  Arthur Anderson on Ivins

  Frederick News Post

  http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=78365

  The only perceived weakness that Anderson could discern, and not all people would consider it a weakness, he said, was that Ivins "had relatively thin skin."

  "His personality style was such that he was sensitive to public opinion," Anderson said Sunday. "There are individuals in our community whose lives are centered around protesting government programs. They're not necessarily interested in facts, but pushing an agenda."

  Ivins would take it personally when seemingly unfounded criticism was aimed at something he believed in, Anderson said.

  "He was concerned with how the Institute was perceived and how he was perceived," Anderson said. "That manifested itself in the care he took in conducting his research."

  .....

  The doctor and scientist paused briefly after being asked if he believes Ivins committed suicide.

  "Oh, yeah," he said. "I think all of the circumstances put him in a place where he felt he had no place to go."

  Anderson said he became aware in June that the FBI had taken items out of Ivins' lab.

  "The FBI took all of the stored things in his lab freezer," Anderson said. "They basically destroyed his life's work. I think that's what upset him the most."

  Anderson said it is "highly incomprehensible" to him that Ivins would be regarded as the perpetrator in this case simply because he had access to anthrax.

  He said he last saw Ivins around July 6. Ivins told him the FBI was stalking him, following him everywhere, Anderson said.

  "He was animated and appropriately concerned, but certainly not out of control."

  Anderson does not believe Ivins is responsible for the 2001 anthrax deaths.....

  —macgupta Read macgupta's other letters
  Permalink
  Flag
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel