CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is a gene splicing tool that can edit certain diseases out of our genes. It’s basically a form of genetic engineering. As such it is a breakthrough in scientific technology and much discussed in scientific and medical circles. Of course it could also be used wrongly, support the ideas on race of someone like Hitler for example. But that’s for another piece. CRISPR has much commercial potential and a lot of money is a stake. While it has not yet been tried in humans, its potential for therapeutic purposes has already led to controversy. The first is ethical, Continue reading “Too Long Forgotten”
Category: Social Issues
Almost There
Given today’s mores, it is hard to imagine, or is it remember, that cohabitation was illegal in the United States and was considered “living in sin”. The State of Florida just recently passed a law signed by Governor Rick Scott making it no longer a crime ( small article in section A of the 4/7/16 L A Times). It had been so designated on the books there since 1868 and was then punishable by up to 30 days in prison and a $400 fine. Although it was not enforced, until the new law, cohabitation was a second degree misdemeanor and could be punishable by 60 days in jail or Continue reading “Almost There”
Ballet Shoes for Black Dancers
It’s usually difficult for whites to be aware, much less understanding, of the difference being black makes in today’s world. Ballet shoes may be a small example, but it is revealing of how easy it is for the society to ignore the needs of non-whites. Ballet is an art form based on tradition. The tradition favors white ballet dancers, and usually females. Slowly over time black dancers have made inroads both in the US and in the UK. Most of us now know of Misty Copeland and the Washington Ballet. Eric Underwood is another black dancer, an American who dances with the UK’s Royal Ballet. Because ballet shoes Continue reading “Ballet Shoes for Black Dancers”
About Syria
The Guardian newspaper reports that the Syrian Centre for Policy Research (whose website has too much Arabic for Western readers) estimates that the war in Syria has resulted in 470,000 dead, 1.9 million wounded, and 45% of the population displaced. (The UN reported 250,000 dead, but they stopped counting in 2014 and the Centre has better access to local data). The staggering figures which are matched by the nightly reports on the refugee crisis in Greece, Turkey, Jordan and the whole area pound our conscience. A Los Angeles Times editorial February 11th asks Continue reading “About Syria”