Yes Eric, unfortunately they do.

Having said this, they do not exist in the way that most people here think. There are people however that are being paid to look at any technological innovation that has military implications.

Any invention that is deemed to run against national interests is examined and, if found to be a perceived threat, eliminated in whatever way is judged to be appropriate.

Actually this is a position most people would agree with.

If someone were to discover how to make an atom bomb in a basement for 50 bucks you really would not want this technology to get out.

OK, I know this example is rather silly, but translate that into a biological threat and all of a sudden it becomes very real.

We live in a funny universe, a universe where it is possible for some idiot to destroy something in an instance that took many people generations to build. For governments not to be aware of this would amount to gross irresponsibility.

Obviously they are watching, obviously they will step in, the only question is at what point.

Call them Men In Black, call them anything you wish, the reality is they are there and they must be there or we will all be dead.

This lesson was learned in the First World War, when thousands of soldiers lay dead because someone released toxic gas.

I know I will get flamed by some for this, but this is the way I see it.

Hans von Lieven