So it seems that crossbreeding would not be an appropriate form of
uplifting, and possibly not a form of uplifting at all.
Thanks for an interesting debate on this topic. This was the kind of
discussion that I was hoping for when I posted the crossbreeding
question.
I think it's important for researchers to hash out sensitive questions
before they become issues in the media and general public. I expect a
strong public backlash against genetic research once we begin altering
existing species in a significant way. Advocates of such research need
to be prepared for this. If we cannot quell negative public opinion
with reasonable arguments as to what is ethical and unethical then I
fear that public pressure will lead to over restrictive government
regulation of reaserch.
Brian L. Fritz
bfritz@shol.com