Re: Genetic Eng discussion on Slashdot

From: cryofan@mylinuxisp.com
Date: Wed Apr 16 2003 - 16:33:04 MDT

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    Hal Finney <hal@finney.org> said:

    > Surprisingly favorable discussions on slashdot. Often those guys get
    > pretty reactionary.

    I especially liked this response to the topic question of whether or not
    GenEng would wind up killing all of us:

    >>>
     Cro-Magnon Clans Urged to Go Slow With Fire (Score:5, Funny)
    by reallocate (142797) on Wednesday April 16, @03:30PM (#5745849)
    (Cro-Magnon News Agency) -- Shamans and clan activists are questioning the
    wisdom of allowing widespread use of newly discovered techniques for
    artificially producing fire.

    A Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc meeting, sponsored by Clans United for Ethical
    Technology, today issued a resolution calling on clan and tribal leaders to
    block the spread of fire-making techniques to the general population.

    "We must insure that making fire remains under the strict control of shamans
    and our clan leaders," said Clans United chief, Orm Marr-dhuk. "Tests have
    indicated that fire is dangerous if not handled properly. We fear that its
    widespread use could result in countless deaths by burning and the loss of
    many of the forests on which we all depend for shelter and food. Pending new
    developments, Clans United urges our leaders to decree that fire making will
    remain the exclusive privilege of the shaman and leadership classes. Perhaps
    someday, if the common people have developed the skills to use fire without
    risking life and limb, we can reconsider our recommendation."

    When asked about the several flaming tar torches that provided light for the
    meeting at the Cauvet cave, Chief Orm replied that "We shamans have made the
    appropriate sacrifices to the goddess. She has given us the secrets of safe
    fire use. We cannot expect ordinary people to understand these things."

    >>>

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