It is remarkable if any relationship at all persists between computational linguists (CL) and that part of general linguistics comprising the mainstream of MIT transformational-generative (TG) theoretical syntax. If the lines are still open, it represents something of a tribute to CL practitioners' tolerance --- a triumph of hope and goodwill over the experience of abuse --- because the TG community has shown considerable hostility toward CL and everything it stands for over the past fifty years. I offer some brief historical notes, and hint at prospects for a better basis for collaboration in the future.