Gentic Engineering

[nick3188]

What does everyone think should be done to control cloning and genetic engineering, should it be banned out right, made completely open, or controlled in some way

[OBonio]

Bring it on I say.  Even if it's just to upset the tree huggers ;o).  Honestly though, I think there's too much fear brought on by the media about this.  Fear of the unknown is all it is.  Rest assured the scientists aren't the same as those portrayed in Hollywood as complete megalomaniacs.  They know what they're doing and won't put the food chain at risk.  I agree that it should be controlled to start with though, and then opened up once the media are reassured it's safe.  Otherwise the press will have a field day.  Again.

[kick3m0n]

I'm a bit torn.  I used to work as a research scientist for the contract research industry.  I believe strongly that what we did/do was/is necessary to ensure new treatements, veterinary products and medicines were developed and made available, as well as providing safety information regarding possible overdoses, toxicity, side effects, carcinogenicty etc.

I suppose I should, in theory have similar feelings about genetic engineering but I'm wary.  I do believe that most scientists will be ethical and responsible in what they do, and it's hard to argue against genetic engineering when it can clearly save lives. Also, you cannot condemn the many on the basis of what the few (corrupt, disreputable) may do.  I think these things need to be very, very strictly controlled to ensure that we do not get into the realms of designer babies - where control freaks with enough cash can design their own blue-eyed, blonde-haired doll-child, to fit in with their 'perfect' life.  If you can't love the child that fate will bring into your life regardless of it's gender, temperament, looks or intelligence, don't have a child - you're not grown up enough.

[Scarlett]

I think there should be some control. If we opened it up completely I shudder to think what would happen ultimately. It is a really complex issue. I think that far down the line the least of our worries would be big red tomatoes.