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All the entries posted on June 18, 2008.
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
BIOTECH: Police, more police, even the US Navy
Live from the international BIO botech industry conference in San Diego
For a gathering of scientists, there sure are a lot of cops at the BIO International biotech conference in San Diego.
Sure, there are always worries about protesters interrupting the proceedings. And memories of the chaotic “Battle in Seattle” protests over the World Trade Organization meetings nine years ago are still fresh in the minds of many West Coast cities whenever they host a big international convention.
But the biggest reason there are so many police at the BIO conference probably has something to do with the attendees more than anything - specifically a dozen of them.
Along with scientists, big pharma executives and venture capitalists, at least 12 governors are also in attendance, trying to recruit companies to their back yards. That would explain why - along with plenty of local police - there are also state police from Georgia, Massachusetts, Colorado, Maryland and many other places roaming the halls of the San Diego Convention Center.
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue might have had the most firepower on Tuesday night, though.
The state of Georgia sponsored the conference’s opening reception on the deck of the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier turned museum that nonetheless is still laden with big guns, fighter jets and - and surrounded by many still-active Navy ships.