Bush Signs Law to Collect Children's DNA

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

btw, have you seen the movie Gattica? I think you would enjoy it. It deals with these issues.

YES!!! That is the movie I saw that should scare anyone half to death when they start talking about DNA testing for all babies!

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Rico

Newman, do you believe that part of the reason why you became an attorney is because you are wired to be one? What I am getting at is this. I have 4 children, all of whom have strengths and weaknesses, along with different personalities and mindsets. My oldest daughter is destined for higher education. I can see her becoming a doctor, lawyer, educator, executive, etc., because she has the mindset and ability to get the education those professions require. My son, on the other hand, will most likely end up going to a vocational college. His mindset is geard more towards working with his hands as a contractor, heating and a/c specialist, mechanic, etc. My middle daughter will most likely end up being a cartoonist, graphic designer, or some other artistic profession.

What would be so bad about knowing these types of things about children at birth? If a test determines that a child is better suited for professions in group "a", then their education could be custom tailored towards that group of professions, rather than this one size fits all approach to education we have now.

I can see a lot of benefits emerging from DNA testing at birth. I think it would help people find direction for their adult lives and could possibly even go a long way in helping people choose their mate.

I also believe science will eventually get to the point that certain diseases will be prevented from proliferating in society, partly because of DNA testing. If the genes that cause diabetes are found in a newborn, I believe science will have a way of modifying that gene or shutting it off, so that diabetes never develops in that child. Maybe science will eventually find a way to completely eliminate that gene in someone born with it.

Rico- Part of who I am is the result of DNA; but a whole lot more was shaped by environment and hopefully God's Hand in my life. Pigeon-holing babies is the scariest part of DNA testing and leaves out the wonder of human potential against all odds.

Choosing one's mate based on DNA is a slippery slope first suggested in part by Hitler....

Finally, how long before insurance companies won't insure people based on the testing done as a baby? How long before individuals who have much to bring to the table will be denied a place at the table because their life expectancy or medical needs aren't statistically acceptable based on DNA testing?

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Newman

Rico- Part of who I am is the result of DNA; but a whole lot more was shaped by environment and hopefully God's Hand in my life. Pigeon-holing babies is the scariest part of DNA testing and leaves out the wonder of human potential against all odds.

Choosing one's mate based on DNA is a slippery slope first suggested in part by Hitler....

Finally, how long before insurance companies won't insure people based on the testing done as a baby? How long before individuals who have much to bring to the table will be denied a place at the table because their life expectancy or medical needs aren't statistically acceptable based on DNA testing?

I don't see all those things happening, to be honest with you. Maybe I am being too optimistic, but I can see many good things resulting from DNA testing. I am, however, willing to concede that it could possibly have some negative consequences.

[Newman]

Originally Posted by Rico

I don't see all those things happening, to be honest with you. Maybe I am being too optimistic, but I can see many good things resulting from DNA testing. I am, however, willing to concede that it could possibly have some negative consequences.

Rico- If I hadn't seen the Gattica movie I might not be too alarmed either.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Newman

Do you all think President Bush would have signed the DNA testing into law last week if America had become outraged about the DNA testing ordered of 463 children in Texas a couple of weeks before? I saw a great movie set in the future about genetics determining all one's options in life despite whatever drive an individual might have to succeed in an area that he or she wasn't "qualified"' to consider. It was scary stuff.

My first thoughts when I read about this.

[Dedicated Mind]

bump for dt

[DividedThigh]

hey guys it was my understanding about the screening for diseases thing, maybe there is more to it, only the evil ones know that, i do love my freedom brother, there is no telling where this country is headed, good grief, i will have to check that out for sure, dt