I began reading this story in the News & Observer about the regular gatherings at the Broad Street Cafe to discuss scientific topics. The subject of this particular meeting was nanotechnology and I was pleasantly surprised when, halfway through the story, there appeared to be no political axe-grinding going on, a rare occurrence for any gathering in Durham. Maybe we’ve turned a corner here in the Bull City, I thought. Maybe we don’t wear our ideologies and political grievances on our sleeves as much anymore.

But, my elation was premature. Further into the story I found this:

Hope Shand, research director at the Carrboro office of the Ottawa-based Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration, tried to move the audience beyond the marvel stage and discuss “the small matter of great concern.”

Uh, oh. “Action Group” was a definite giveaway that something was coming. It was:

For at least 15 minutes, small groups of men and women — and two children — debated whether the experts, watchdogs or the public should lead the way. There was talk about mad scientists, myopic public interest groups and greedy corporations.

There it was. Greedy corporations. Us vs. Them. I’m surprised “military-industrial complex” wasn’t also thrown into the mix.