we simply do not know enough about genetics to switch "on" a desirable gene without the possbilitiy of some undesirable aspects also being switched on at the same time, well, at least as far as animal DNA anyway. Plants are supposed to be simpler but theres a big difference between the selective breeding aspects of growing food (that has gone on for hundreds of years) and physical tinkering of the genetic structure.
For the scary aspects of "picking genes" for children - I advise everyone to watch the Jude Law film "Gattaca" and you may not think its such a good idea .
Whle I agree genetic manipulation is the "next logical step", the danger is that it is pushed for the purpose of making money first - possible drawbacks will be considered afterward. Sinister aspects of this have already been at work - African farmers have had GM seed sold to them, but it is designed so the plants themselves do not reseed. Thus creatng a captive market for seed, and in a starvng country no less!! Is that a sensible use of the technology ?
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