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Thank you to all of you, including a Mathematics Ph. D., who have educated me on the randomness issue. My initial reaction that the results were not random was based on the unusual skewing of the results and the possibility that the results were manipulated, warranting further investigation. I now see that while the results were not uniform, they are random. Here is my own simplistic 2 step analysis: 1. Mathematically speaking, these results certainly could have occurred naturally. As such, the results are random. 2. Even if the results did not occur naturally because of a “computer glitch”, the results are still random because no one in advance knew how to increase one’s chances. Thus there was a level playing field. Example: Lotto — 6 numbers drawn 1–40. Computer glitch causes a drawing in which the 6 numbers drawn are 1–6. But no one knew about it in advance. It would seem…

We will be posting our latest correspondence to the Department of State on this blog later today. Stay tuned.

Thank you to those who completed the questionnaires. I am truly overwhelmed by the response. Your backgrounds are very, very impressive and your stories are heartwrenching. America truly needs people like you! To those who have completed the questionnaire and authorized distribution to the Department of State — I will be sure to pass on to officials the relevant details. Besides the devastation experienced by many of you, it is obvious that hundreds of thousands in dollars in expense were incurred. Life changing plans were made — one person got married upon learning of selection; one person quit his job in India to move back to Africa in preparation; one person sold his car; another gave up his apartment. Hopefully, the Department of State will recognize these very real human tragedies and act prudently in rectifying this travesty. I urge you to tell your compelling stories to the…

For those unable to open the questionnaire, please find two other versions below: .doc and pdf. If completed by hand, please make sure that the handwriting is legible. Thank you! questionnairedv2012doc questionnairedv2012pdf0001

In response to my earlier post, completed questionnaires are starting to flow in. Thank you. I would like to allay any concerns out there about the use of information contained in questionnaires: 1. Completion of the questionnaire is entirely voluntary. Any possible resolution to the issue at hand will most likely relate to the entire class of 22,000, not just those who fill in this questionnaire. Obviously, I am not making any representations that completing the questionnaire will somehow help you. Nevertheless, I do believe that collecting and synthesizing information will be important going forward. 2. One of the questions in the questionnaire relates to privacy. If you do not wish your name disclosed to the Department of State, you would indicate «No» in response. 3. We are a team of professionals. We have been battling erroneous and misguided decisions of consular officers and DOS officials for nearly 20 years….