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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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