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Re: Gene Tinkering: YOU Are The Mice And They Don't Want You to Know
In article <R.3244C8B4.465E@atlcom.net>,
Mike Zauzig <mzauzig@atlcom.net> wrote:
>
>Your interpretation of my viewpoint is flat wrong. I think a curious
>mind is a fabulous thing. However, with knowledge comes responsibility.
>
>Firstly, a better word would be fatalism.
>
>Secondly, I am surprised at how emotional the responses have been from
>the "gene jockeys". Why so defensive? I thought that an open mind is
>essential to scientific thought. Is it so hard to address the concerns
>of others.
>
>Now, are you sincere in equating gene-splicing with traditional breeding
>practices? Because, if you are, I certainly have a lot to learn (which
>is very possible). Right now, however, I would think that genetic
>engineering can create gene sequences which almost certainly would never
>happen through natural processes no matter what the environment. (Please
>correct me if I'm wrong.)
>
>My overall concern is this. If an engineer makes a serious
>miscalculation, a space shuttle could blow up. If a political leader
>makes a miscalculation, large numbers of people can die. But if a
>genetic researcher makes a mistake, the consequences are almost
>inconceivable. The entire web of life on Earth could be rearranged into
>who knows what. And, whereas you would think my primary concern would
>be for homo sapiens' place in a new order, I am actually more concerned
>about the well being of life on Earth in general. I realize how
>dramatic this sounds, but that is how I see things.
>
>A rogue genetically engineered cow can be controlled and does not
>concern me. A rogue genetically engineered germ is different.
>
I completely agree with you mike, and I am a molecular biologist! The only
flaw in your argument: if you wouldn't alter the germ, then don't alter
anything (like the cow)!!
By messing with genes, we are being very egoistical...thinking that we "know
all."
-------------------------
Carter Fields
Northwestern University
cfields@nwu.edu
"One person cannot do everything, but everyone can do something....SAVE MOTHER EARTH!"
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