Dealing With The Reality

Of Genetic Engineering

To the Editor:

Not too long ago, there was a time when it was okay to conjure up wild fantasies upon hearing the phrase “genetic engineering.” People could playfully muse about creating the ideal son or daughter, constructing outrageous animal hybrids, or even “cloning” a vast, powerful army. It was all science fiction; the ideas were cautiously reserved for the future. Well, let me be the first to say, “Welcome to the future!” Genetic engineering is no longer a whimsical fantasy – it is an imminent reality and the truth of the matter is that it is poised to have an enormous effect on this country’s social and political structure. It is therefore vital that the general public become aware of this issue and develop an informed opinion on it. This letter, hopefully, will be the start of just that.

To begin, as the most generalized definition, genetic engineering is the process by which organisms – humans, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses – can be genetically manipulated in order to serve some beneficial purpose. While this may sound like a blessing, as is the case with anything science-related, it is far more complicated than that.

First, the problems with genetic engineering: Most serious is the fact that although the quality of technology is increasing exponentially, the margin for error within experimentation is still great; many lives could be lost or severely inhibited before reliable therapy is introduced. Next, again, although knowledge on genetics is constantly growing, 50 years of human research cannot compare to 3 billion years of natural evolution. This implies that 1) we should not tamper with matters we do not fully understand, 2) evolution is a slow and delicate process that might have serious negative implications if sped up, and 3) the emergence of new diseases, cancers, and epidemics is a real possibility, one that could ultimately lead to the end of life as we know it.

So with such grave consequences pending, why might anyone endorse genetic engineering? Well, for one, it could potentially eradicate every disease and disorder known to man – cancer, HIV, Alzheimer’s, obesity, autism, and really anything imaginable. It could also eliminate the challenges associated with organ and tissue transplants – a new, compatible kidney or heart could be grown for you in a lab in a fraction of the time you might spend on a current waiting list. It could even help nourish the millions who are currently starving by fortifying common crops such as rice or corn with vital nutrients. All told, genetic engineering has the capacity to make life healthier, safer, and more enjoyable.

After hearing the severity of both the pros and cons, it should not surprise you that the future role of genetic engineering in our society is a hotly debated issue in Washington. In fact, there are currently two bills in Congress directly concerning this matter, which means that our state representatives will be making decisions on a topic that one way or another will affect everyone. Thus, it is imperative for everyone to first understand this issue and second, to vote for the men and women who share their views and concerns.

For all interested, there is a fountain of knowledge concerning genetic engineering on the Internet. I have created a Web site at www.geocities.com/genetics25/index.htm that may guide you toward some of my findings and toward making your own. Genetic engineering is a matter that has arrived and must be dealt with. Everyone must do his or her own part to learn about and bring awareness to this issue.

Thank You,

Matthew Sullivan

32 Farm Field Ridge Road, Sandy Hook                    June 1, 2001