Wasn't it the 'Salam 50' event, not PASCOS, where Weinberg was scheduled to speak? In any case, the idea of Weinberg using Salam's celebration as a 'pulpit to propound his views' is bizarre and tasteless. Weinberg's politics have already had a thorough airing, thanks to his decision to send out a press release detailing his personal (3 sigma?) detection of a 'widespread' anti-semitic current. It's a win-win situation: he doesn't have to come (Weinberg dislikes travelling) plus he gets to smear his political opponents. PS Mr. Grouik, if the price of being 'against barbarity' is associating with anti-Arabic and anti-Islamic bigotry then count me out.