I just emailed Dr. Alter and encourage you to do the same. it can't hurt.
harvey.alter@nih.gov
Let's at least show him that people are paying attention to this.
here's what I wrote (in 2 minutes - I'm sure it's not great)
Dear Dr. Alter:
It is my understanding that your study has been put on hold. Originally it was to build "consensus" among the government agencies, as the CDC was unable to detect XMRV in anybody (which seems odd in itself). And yet now the CDC has published their negative study and you are now claiming yours has not been accepted for publication. However, that statement in itself is untrue; PNAS itself confirms your study was accepted. Why the change?
It seems preposterous that 1) there is any hesitation to publish conflicting studies - this is done all the time and 2) that the negative study is considered the 'correct' one as it has been allowed to be published and 3) that you need to 'recheck' your data. That seems ridiculous for a seasoned scientist as yourself.
Please, please PLEASE do not be pressured into being quiet. There is far too much at stake. You are a scientist. There is no place for politics in science.
PLEASE publish your study.
Regards,
****