Rahe,
I do not disagree. However, the unfortunate fact is that many firms
are frequently hired to find a JUSTIFICATION for a position they want
to make, not just to provide "the truth." For example, look at how
many expert witnesses are used in the court system to justify a
particular position. Or do lawyers always put truth ahead of
justification for the position of their clients? In such cases they
look for something - ANYTHING - that they can use to justify their
clients' position, and appease their own conscience. In such cases
they do not focus on the black and white of the issue, but focus on
the gray.
Your second paragraph is very important.... that it is a blot on the
profession and in my opinion professional fire protection engineers
have the most credibility on this issue. AFSA will issue a response
on this, and the expected reaction from some will be "of course that
is their position because they have a financial interest in seeing
the ordinance approved." On the other hand, if a lot of professional
engineers reacted publicly by denouncing this statement and noting
that such outrageous statements do not accurately reflect the opinion
of other professional engineers, it might have an effect on the firm
and on the individual. However, I do not expect that to happen since
engineers, like most other professions, are hesitant to criticize
their peers except in extreme cases.
Steve Muncy
On May 16, 2007, at 6:58 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Steve,
Well put. However, I think that two things must be considered.
First, the public will always see the spokesman as representing the
firm
they work for. An example is when we see the police department
personnel
on TV. We all believe that whatever is reported is the police
department's
position.
Second, as professional fire protection engineers, we should know the
difference and provide correct opinions. It is a blot on our
professions
for a major firm's fire protection engineer to publically report
incorrect
information.
While Schirmer, as a firm, may not agree with their employee's
opinion,
they still receive the brunt of the publicity. I believe that
Schirmer
should publically announce their opinion as a firm in order to
clear up any
discrepancy.
Thank You
Rahe Loftin, P.E.
Region 7 - GSA
Office - 817-978-7299
Fax - 817-978-8644
Cell - 817-371-3102
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