Part VI
There is no way to ever stuff a genie back into the bottle. Whatever tools humans discover and fabricate, they use. Whatever weapons humans design and are capable of building will be used; be it nuclear, biological, genetic, chemical or anything else..
As an aside, I am all for genetic redesign of humans myself. Imagine a human being modified to live comfortable beneath the oceans. What a wonderful thing to be able to populate and explore that 80% of Earth now out of our reach.
How about humans that are genetically designed to thrive in zero G? They would be the ones to lead the way to the stars. When or if we reach the stars, who is to say that planets circling those suns will be compatible with our native and fragile human physiology? The odds are heavily against it. If we are able to genetically modify human beings, we can then populate those otherwise unlivable planets by literally making humans to match the environment of the world we wish to settle.
Would these genetically modified “people” still be human? Of course they are. They are based on human DNA and because they are designed for the world on which they live they are – surprise – exactly like we are. Our environment designed us so that we are perfect for the world on which we live. All we would be doing is the same thing for them, only faster. What’s wrong with that? (But would they appreciate being modified when they grow up and find US here? Ah! that’s the question!)
I also have no objection to genetically designed trigger drugs that will cause the body to repair specific breakdowns within itself or stem cell generated spare parts that can be developed from cells of our own bodies (or an embryo for that matter) to replace a failing heart, a bad kidney or a liver. Anything to allow me to live longer than my statical five score and seventeen would be welcomed!
I have no objection to custom DNA modified and genetically tweaked embryos to allow parents to pick a brown/blue/green/violet eyed, blond/red/black/brown/straight/curly haired , boy/girl baby that will have an IQ of 200+. Or one genetically enhanced so the child will never require a vaccination or fall prey to any known disease.
Would there be abuses of genetic modification of human embryos? Of course there will. So what?
If society determines that these rogue modifications are a bad thing, then catch those who are doing the bad thing and take their genes away from them. But don’t trash an entirely new and most valuable science to keep out a few bad guys.
Why should anyone object rationally to such developments? All that would happen, if such genetic modifications were done would be the passing of “god” which, in my opinion, is not really a bad thing.
The current political/religious/ethical debate (ethical being another word for religion but currently pushed as some undefinable but separate discussion) is nearly 100% against genetic modification of any sort in order to save current religious beliefs and organizations from collapse.
But the genie is out of the bottle and countries ruled by little minds (and populated by less than rational people) that prohibit the continued research into cloning, stem cells and genetic science are destined to fail in that attempt.
Bad laws drive out good people (California is a current good example of this) and the experimentation and perfection of such techniques will merely go over the border, leaving the prohibiting country at an eventual huge disadvantage and unable to benefit from the great and wonderful things that will come from such research. (Which is where the United States is right now with the notable exception of California and a few other states.)
Yet those countries who prohibit the science are at exactly the same risk from the mistakes, errors and potentially evil uses as are countries who sanction the research.
Cool, huh. Prohibit genetic research and loose an enormous range of benefits while risking the same disasters as if you hadn’t banned it! Sounds like something politicians and preachers are good at.
My thinking on the subject is that it would be far better for us (we are the good guys, you know) to know all we can about genetic modification, DNA manipulation, stem cells and the whole nine yards, thereby being far better prepared to deal with the potential buggers that lurk herein and thereabout.
End Part VI
First!
Wasn’t genetics just covered in your previous article?
100!
Wonderful that all science is ‘good’ science.
The US is far better prepared to use ‘science’ to control its subjects and countries that don’t take the kneel.
Then use science to thwart those who would oppress you, or try magic and mysticism. But a word of caution, we already tried magic and mysticism.
Magic and mysticism. You mean like “dark matter”, “black holes”, “anthropomorphic global warming”, “landing on the moon”, and I could go on. There is as much magic and mysticism in “science” as there is anyplace else, especially when you add money and influence into the mix. Unintended consequences are a bitch, and I don’t trust “scientists” enough to believe that they “know” all of the unintended consequences of their actions. Look around and see the unintended consequences of screwing with nature.
I’m for the genetically modified wife: likes sex, cooks, cleans, irons, doesn’t complain or ask questions, lets you stay out as long as you want.
Now that’s my idea of science!
Maggie is already married. Stop hitting on her.
I always wondered what I found so appealing about Maggie – the girl next door. Thank you for pointing that out. EC
How does that pop into your head? I don’t think people appreciate your humor enuf.
Actually, kinda jealous.
Don’t know. Shit like that just pops in my head all day long.
Even enters my dream life. Had a dream two days ago that I still remember.
Riding on a train … hanging on the edge of a coal car. Grabbing avocados from the passing trees. A moose suddenly jumps out and chases the train trying to gore me. Next thing I know I’m inside the train. It’s very plush, all mahogany interior. People are giving me money and jewelery and I don’t know why. Now the train is riding on top of the mountains, from peak to peak. Suddenly we go down hill, a long way and very fast. It goes over a lake, but not on rails, now it has wings. Then it pulls into a gorgeous castle …. right into the dining room. Hundreds of people are there. But, all they are eating is donuts. I ask for a bathroom. My neighbor tells me that this castle has no bathrooms. The dream ends.
Really.
The sexy mulatta explained that avocados are what poor people eat since they are so plentiful in Salvador. You are riding the coal car, pretty rough ride. You even survive an attack from some crazed bull moozie.
Suddenly, the dream becomes a Chuck Norris scene:
But we’re not done, the dream becomes a Leo Sayer song:
Amazing what your mind thinks of all you’ve accomplished, as if it expected less from you and you turned out to be this amazing humorist and author. One who experienced life’s up and downs going through life so fast that you caught air, became airborne. The dream describes a head-spinning wild ride of a journey you have been on and ended up living in a castle where nobody shits.
LMFAO!!!
I’ve said it many times EC, you’re the best!
Thanks for the great belly laugh.
I think they can be found in Stepford, Connecticut.
Good Gawd Muck. How many of these things are you going to put out?
Yes, unintended consequences. These frigging ‘scientists’ are going to kill off the human race. I’m waiting for them to foul the air we breathe; they are already putting crap in the food, water, and toothpaste.
I don’t think scientists are putting things in everything we consume. I think the corporations are doing that for maximizing profits. Scientists as a demographic in general have more empathy than the corporations do.
More empathy, perhaps. But what about shortsighted?
Unintended consequences. BOOM!!!
I mentioned likewise in the previous genetic mod article. And, time. Some oh those consequences, I believe, won’t manifest themselves for generations. And then it’s too late.
Genetic modification could improve at least one race we have to tolerate here on the planet. Any improvement would be greatly appreciated.
Yeah technology is going to save us. Give me a fucking break, hasn’t been my experience.
Freedom is the ability to eat grass and fly. Let’s start with these.
Stucky, I think you would enjoy reading “The Dramatic Universe” by JG Bennett.
Muck – if they are going to modify, start by modifying the African continent average IQ up by fifty points, and sterilizing 90 per cent of its population. It is projected to grow in population by billions in coming decades. Not good. Not good at all.