Maas?/Shell?

[MASCARO at humnet.ucla.edu]

Responding to Don's query on his name, S. Maas reveals:

>  However, while on the subject of the TRP/Dutch connection (the
>double "a" is a dead giveaway) the episode in GR about the Dutchmen and
>the Dodos was always one of my favorites, with Pynchon's description of
>the Dutch setting out purposefully to wipe out the Dodos because their
>Protestant sensibilities were greatly offended that a creature as stupid
>and helpless as the Dodo should be the dominant form of life on
>Mauretius*.  I've always regretted that it was possibly my own ancestors
>who made it impossible for me ever to see one of these amazing creatures. 

Speaking of the TRP Dutch connection, just wondering what you think of those GR 
references to Dutch Shell, whose keen Protestant sensibility allowed it to make hay 
while the sun shines and at midnight too (since someone asked about the Firesign 
Theater before), by selling oil to the Allies and the Axis, a-at the same time!  
Wonder what other creatures we'll never get to see because of such sensibilities?

john m (whose ancestors haven't won a war in 2000 years or so)