Scientists playing god

Michele Gale-Sinex/CIAS, UW-Madison (mgs@AAE.WISC.EDU)
Mon, 27 Jul 1998 12:39:29 -0500

Howdy, all--

A quick noon-hour reflection on this snip, from Dan Worley's forward
of the latest /GE News/. Christine Salins of Australia wrote
regarding genetic engineering:

> For some, the whole scenario is far too frightening to contemplate
> scientists playing God.

I've heard people say this over and over about genetic engineering.
Including Bonnie Prince Charlie. I'd like to issue a mythopoetic
clarification.

Scientists are playing Prometheus. They only would have us *believe*
they're playing god.

You don't gain or maintain enormous amounts of power and prestige and
social control from being an endless source of pate for mountaintop
eagles.

peace
misha

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Michele Gale-Sinex, communications manager
Center for Integrated Ag Systems
UW-Madison College of Ag and Life Sciences
Voice: (608) 262-8018 FAX: (608) 265-3020
http://www.wisc.edu/cias/
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
In the end, they will lay their freedom at our feet
and say to us, 'Make us your slaves, but feed us.'
--the Grand Inquisitor, Dostoevsky

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