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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2007-04 > 1175629584


From: (John Chandler)
Subject: Re: [DNA] Dick Eastman's reaction to the "StalkingStrangers" article
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2007 15:46:24 -0400 (EDT)
References: <002501c775ee$388bc9e0$6601a8c0@DH870341>
In-Reply-To: <002501c775ee$388bc9e0$6601a8c0@DH870341> (genlists@mlhebert.com)


Mike wrote:
> I suppose that we all draw our own ethical lines on issues. If I got to the
> point where an unsolved mystery regarding my own family history was
> bothering me enough and all other avenues had been exhausted, I could see
> myself stalking for DNA and hanging out at McDonalds or swiping trash bags
> off the curb.

If the sample is so important, the chain-of-custody issue is just as
crucial in genealogy as in forensic testing. It would be pretty silly
to test a piece of trash with no direct link to the intended subject.
When I go for a walk, if I find a discarded cup by the roadside, I
pick it up and put it in the next trash recepticle I come to, which
may very well be back home.

John Chandler

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