Letters: Mar. 30, 1981

Genetic Gold

To the Editors:

Let's hope that gene splicing [March 9] produces happier results than the offspring of some previous discoveries of science and industry. We can do without the equivalents of thalidomide, vinyl chloride, PCB, dioxin, napalm and hydrogen bombs. Genetic engineers have not yet shown themselves to be more reliable or mindful of the outcome of their creations than their industrial predecessors.

Jeffrey Boone Miller San Francisco

The gene splicers have let the genie out of the bottle. But they will not bring peace or prosperity. For if bacteria can consume oil spills in peace, they can certainly eat an enemy's fuel supply in war. In a nation already at the mercy of its energy supply, what better way to be destroyed by a foe?

Gerald E. Anderson Los Angeles

I thought I was quite well informed on genes and chromosomes.

I know somewhat of E. coli, of Mendel's laws and clones.

I know recombinant DNA, interferon, double helix and such, But gene splicing makes it very clear I sure don't know so much.

This genetic engineering, with its adenine, cytosine, Hybridomas and lambda phage, thymine and guanine—Why disturb my microbial balance, or give orders to my cells To duplicate and replicate whatever biotechnology tells?

Ididn 't know myplasmids were engaged in replication, Or obsessed with "sexual dalliance " that they term conjugation! With just unisex, it was bad enough: why, the only ways and

means

Of sorting out the boys from girls was by lowering their genes.

Charles D. Perry Tuscaloosa, Ala.

If genetic engineers can find the key to growing new teeth, they will have done a great deed for humankind.

William Morgan New York City

Judging the Lady

The charges and verdict in the Jean Harris case seemed harsh [March 9]. If she and Tarnower had been ordinary people, she would not have been convicted of second-degree murder. Jean Harris' position in society convicted her. What good is it to put Mrs. Harris behind bars for 15 years? She is no threat to anyone.

Betty Simon Canton, Ga.

Does Mrs. Harris' high social standing and upper-class background make Dr. Tarnower's murder any less a crime? Many women survive bad affairs, withstanding mental, even physical abuse, without murdering their former lovers.

Annette M. Rose Syracuse

Dr. Tarnower was responsible for Jean Harris' jealousy, which is a moderate form of insanity. When she shot Tarnower, she was mildly insane and should not have been found guilty of murder.

Ernest G. Pihl Arlington, Mass.

American Renewal

I am an American student in Taiwan. After reading American Renewal [Feb. 23], I felt that I was not alone in having faith in the recovery of our nation. Admittedly, the U.S. has many problems, but the American system is based on sound concepts. Perhaps all Americans should spend time living in a completely different culture. They would achieve a greater awareness of America's resources, both natural and human.

Elizabeth Knup Taipei

The section on rebuilding our foreign policy wisely urges resumption of SALT talks and dètente. But it then demands more arms, more CIA intervention and the draft.