Letters: Jul. 24, 2000

Cracking the Genetic Code

With the mapping of the human genome by J. Craig Venter and Francis Collins [SCIENCE, July 3], man will be able to lengthen his life-span by eradicating many of the existing causes of disease and death. And this breakthrough raises the ethical question of how to care for those nonproductive individuals who will eventually overwhelm Social Security and private retirement plans. ERLAND R. NIELSEN Pahrump, Nev.

Kudos to everyone involved in the Human Genome Project for achieving a monumental milestone. The real winner of the race to map the genome is not Venter; his company, Celera Genomics; or Collins. The real winner is mankind. It is now up to us to use this valuable information responsibly. ADITYA PAI Toronto

The advancement and future exploitation of genetic sequencing should be carried out on a purely not-for-profit basis, so the discovery can benefit the largest number of people. It's a chance to prove we can overcome a most basic and destructive human flaw: greed. JIMMY YEW Singapore

One can only speculate about the infinite number of benefits that will result from the success of the Human Genome Project. But some illnesses are the result of how one lives, and science may be taking accountability away from people. I can't wait to see what new ailments will surface when people no longer have to worry about taking care of themselves because a doctor can remove a gene that might have caused heart disease or diabetes. Genetics are important, but let us not forget the role that environment plays. RALPH HARRISON West Chester, Pa.

Throughout the history of science, people like Venter have been ridiculed for conducting science in an unorthodox manner, only to be applauded years later for their great work. That such a bold achievement was reached in part by a maverick scientist is a fitting introduction to a new era of medicine. HAROUT MEKHJIAN JR. Alpine, N.J.

What's next after genetic decoding? Will we be able to control our feelings and desires? Will we control every aspect of our lives? The discovery will surely help scientists gain more insight into diseases such as cancer and AIDS, but will people use this to benefit others or simply to create the "perfect" person? SOPHIA MALIK Dallas

The genetic genie is out of the bottle, and like nuclear power, it can be used for good or evil. Soon it may be possible for doctors to manipulate genes and cure terrible illnesses, but the knowledge also may allow insurance companies, employers and others to make critical decisions based on information gleaned from an individual's genetic code. There is a frightening potential for both genetic bigotry and a form of eugenics that the Nazis only dreamed of. DANIEL JOHN SOBIESKI Chicago

Pledge Platitude

George W. Bush's campaign promise of the week as reported in your "Pledge Drive" feature [NOTEBOOK, July 3] was a reach. Bush's words, "To ensure the American dream touches every willing heart and that no child is left behind," are merely a platitude meant to reassure the masses that Bush is concerned about what is supposedly deep in the heart of all Americans. I am much more interested in Al Gore's practical pledge to stop the rise of gasoline prices and to help train workers in new-economy skills than in Bush's nebulous words. BETSY SARLES Cambridge, Mass.

Homosexuals in the Fold