GENEALOGY-DNA-L Archives
Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2005-03 > 1111171490
From: "Jim Huston" <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Article in the New York Times Magazine from last Sunday
Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 13:44:50 -0500
In-Reply-To: <031820051720.8661.423B0DE70003A750000021D52207002953050B989A0E00@comcast.net>
Information is the most useful weapon there is, the one which renders all
others effective. Although I don't think al Qaeda is likely to resequence
our genes, it is possible, and growing more feasible as we speak, to tailor
viruses which will recognize certain genetic sequences; such methods are
being researched now under the rubric of gene therapy for certain diseases.
At some point in the future the genetic database will be large enough to
isolate sequences unique to a local heritage. When these two capabilities
intersect, the consequences could be devastating. I do agree with Anne that
digital terrorism in our financial networks is of more immediate concern,
but I wouldn't discount the possibility of such a virus within our lifetime.
- Jim
>From:
>Reply-To:
>To:
>Subject: Re: [DNA] Article in the New York Times Magazine from last Sunday
>Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 17:20:39 +0000
>
>I am writing because I don't think that Ellen deserves criticism in
>relation to her post, nor do I think she is being paranoid. Actually I
>entirely agree with Ellen in this matter. There is no benign reason why a
>Hammas figure who advocates the use of car bombings would be interested in
>orchestrating a Palestinian contribution to a Mormon dominated wide -
>ranging DNA Project. There is clearly something wrong with this picture.
>In other words, there is probably a hidden agenda, we just don't know what
>it is. Trust me in this one.
>
>David F.
>
>
>-------------- Original message --------------
>
> > In a message dated 3/17/2005 3:09:13 PM Pacific Standard Time,
> > writes:
> >
> > > Can this DNA data be misused for some political
> > > purposes that I'm not aware of?
> >
> > Yes Yes don't you know there is an evil Al Qaeda plot to resequence our
>Y-DNa
> > and myDNA and inject us with resequenced genes and turn us all into
>Arabic
> > Muslims? PUH-LEESE!
> >
> > Having our FINANCIAL IDENTITY is far more threatening than someone
>having our
> > DNA. (unless the government starts rounding up folks who have been
>"passing"
> > for white or have the CMH etc. -- and don't you think Americans would
>stand up
> > and OBJECT to that sort of thing going on here?)
> >
> > Do let us all keep out paranoia in check. And our priorities straight.
> >
> > Anne
>
>
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