One step closer to the UFP...

[Doomriser]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2165715.stm

"Bad behaviour linked to gene"

Analysis revealed a genetic link

The chances of anti-social behaviour among boys who are maltreated as they grow up may be determined by their genetic make-up, research suggests...

...The results provide evidence that a person's genetic make up can influence their sensitivity to environmental factors...

...Don't add to the problem by layering in a new generation of so-called violence preventing drugs...

Meanwhile, ST: TNG Episode #9, "Justice"

RIVAN: We are a people of law. They do sometimes bring us sadness, but we have learned to adjust to that. Perhaps your laws work as well ...
PICARD: They haven't always, but they do now.
LIATOR: Do you execute criminals?
PICARD: No... not any longer, that is.
RIVAN: You did once?
PICARD: Unfortunately, yes. But since then-
RIVAN: And when you did, was it believed necessary to do so?
PICARD: Can we please get to the facts concerning our crewmember? (pauses a moment) Yes, some people then felt it was necessary. But we've learned how to detect the seeds of criminal behavior... Capital punishment is no longer justified in our world as a deterrent.

[Sothis]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2165715.stm

"Bad behaviour linked to gene"

Analysis revealed a genetic link

The chances of anti-social behaviour among boys who are maltreated as they grow up may be determined by their genetic make-up, research suggests...

...The results provide evidence that a person's genetic make up can influence their sensitivity to environmental factors...

...Don't add to the problem by layering in a new generation of so-called violence preventing drugs...

Meanwhile, ST: TNG Episode #9, "Justice"

RIVAN: We are a people of law. They do sometimes bring us sadness, but we have learned to adjust to that. Perhaps your laws work as well ...
PICARD: They haven't always, but they do now.
LIATOR: Do you execute criminals?
PICARD: No... not any longer, that is.
RIVAN: You did once?
PICARD: Unfortunately, yes. But since then-
RIVAN: And when you did, was it believed necessary to do so?
PICARD: Can we please get to the facts concerning our crewmember? (pauses a moment) Yes, some people then felt it was necessary. But we've learned how to detect the seeds of criminal behavior... Capital punishment is no longer justified in our world as a deterrent.

I imagine Picard was referring more to social causes of crime, rather than genetics- the impression I get anyway.

[Doomriser]

Then why didn't he just say "We've eliminated most of the main causes of criminal behaviour" instead of "We've learned to detect the seeds of criminal behaviour." Remember, we're talking about deterrents here so the context seems to be mental.

[Mr. B]

Just give them some Ritalin and send them on their way.

[Enlightenment]

I wonder what interesting truths might come to light if Worldcom and Enron executives (not to mention Shrub) were screened for this gene...

[Spanky The Dolphin]

Just give them some Ritalin and send them on their way.

Hey, I take Ritalin.

...At least, when I remember to.

[Cpt_Frank]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2165715.stm

"Bad behaviour linked to gene"

Analysis revealed a genetic link

The chances of anti-social behaviour among boys who are maltreated as they grow up may be determined by their genetic make-up, research suggests...

...The results provide evidence that a person's genetic make up can influence their sensitivity to environmental factors...

...Don't add to the problem by layering in a new generation of so-called violence preventing drugs...

Meanwhile, ST: TNG Episode #9, "Justice"

RIVAN: We are a people of law. They do sometimes bring us sadness, but we have learned to adjust to that. Perhaps your laws work as well ...
PICARD: They haven't always, but they do now.
LIATOR: Do you execute criminals?
PICARD: No... not any longer, that is.
RIVAN: You did once?
PICARD: Unfortunately, yes. But since then-
RIVAN: And when you did, was it believed necessary to do so?
PICARD: Can we please get to the facts concerning our crewmember? (pauses a moment) Yes, some people then felt it was necessary. But we've learned how to detect the seeds of criminal behavior... Capital punishment is no longer justified in our world as a deterrent.

That's disgusting!

[Mr Bean]

On the subject I have only to say this

*Insert Random Culture quote

[SCVN 2812]

Just like everybody who tries to say the Federation is somehow evil, I think you're reading just a little too much into it.

[Cpt_Frank]

I try to say that the federation is somehow evil.
And this 'criminal gene' thing:
Where can this lead? Punishment before someone actually does a criminal deed, or removing this gene from the gene pool?
All things which are morally very doubtful in my opinion.

[Peregrin Toker]

A question: If the Federation claim to "predict" criminal behaviour through genetics (which I don't believe in anyway - to me, it's just thinly veiled racism), then why don't they prohibit Klingons from procreating???

[C.S.Strowbridge]

I try to say that the federation is somehow evil.
And this 'criminal gene' thing:
Where can this lead? Punishment before someone actually does a criminal deed, or removing this gene from the gene pool?
All things which are morally very doubtful in my opinion.

I think you've got it backwards. What will happen is defendants will say, 'It's not my fault. It's in my genes.'

[Meghel]

I try to say that the federation is somehow evil.
And this 'criminal gene' thing:
Where can this lead? Punishment before someone actually does a criminal deed, or removing this gene from the gene pool?
All things which are morally very doubtful in my opinion.

I think you've got it backwards. What will happen is defendants will say, 'It's not my fault. It's in my genes.'

Then the Politicians will say; "Then, from now on, we will genetically alter your genes when you are in the womb. This in order to prevent the future occurence of said crimes."
And "We will view the genes of all unborn children and decide which to replace."

Yep, Genetic engineering before you know it...

[C.S.Strowbridge]

Then the Politicians will say; "Then, from now on, we will genetically alter your genes when you are in the womb. This in order to prevent the future occurence of said crimes."
And "We will view the genes of all unborn children and decide which to replace."

Yep, Genetic engineering before you know it...

I think we're a long way from that, technology wise. I'm sure there's plenty of people who want to 'cure' all sorts of human conditions and would think nothing of using GE to do it.

[Cpt_Frank]

I think we're a long way from that, technology wise. I'm sure there's plenty of people who want to 'cure' all sorts of human conditions and would think nothing of using GE to do it.

I agree we can't do it yet. But sooner or later such things will come.

[Meghel]

I agree we can't do it yet . But sooner or later such things will come.

And that is the ethical problem; should we allow it?


I would vote against altering genes if they alter a persons personality.

It is one thing to alter genes to prevent genetic diseases or wrong-born children or miscarriages.

It is quite the other to genetically ones personality. Like "Now let us make this future citizen law-abiding and with a friendly personality...."


Be wary of the politicians, they might push it through. And then we are really on the way of the UFP.