Genetic Defects and New Colonies

Ian,

When your taxes rise to take care of those who can't take care of themselves and who can't be put out onto the streets as we do on earth, then perhaps you recognize why I am asking the question.

I am trying to bridge from the fantastic to the realistic. People who can't fend for themselves are likely to be sacrificed if we don't plan well now.

Besides, imagine the misery that passing along defective genes will cause over a thousand generations as opposed to the relatively minor inconvenience of fixing the genes now? Wouldn't you rather be born without defective genes/diseases that may shorten you life? Well, multiply this concern by millions and you may then understand where I am coming from.

Regards,

Tom
From: Ian Woollard
To: spacesettlers@egroups.com
Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2000 4:00 PM
Subject: Re: [spacesettlers] Genetic Defects and New Colonies

Tom Tucker (Olympia) wrote:

> All,
>
> Has anyone given much thought to the regulation of reproduction on space
> colonies?

Why bother? Space can support a HUGE population. Run out
of space? Build another habitat! Materials and energy are
easily available...

> Tom

When your taxes rise to take care of those who can't take care of themselves and who can't be put out onto the streets as we do on earth, then perhaps you recognize why I am asking the question.

I am trying to bridge from the fantastic to the realistic. People who can't fend for themselves are likely to be sacrificed if we don't plan well now.

Besides, imagine the misery that passing along defective genes will cause over a thousand generations as opposed to the relatively minor inconvenience of fixing the genes now? Wouldn't you rather be born without defective genes/diseases that may shorten you life? Well, multiply this concern by millions and you may then understand where I am coming from.

Regards,

Tom
From:
Ian Woollard
To:
spacesettlers@egroups.com
Sent:
Saturday, December 23, 2000 4:00 PM
Subject:
Re: [spacesettlers] Genetic Defects and New Colonies
Tom Tucker (Olympia) wrote:
> All,
>
> Has anyone given much thought to the regulation of reproduction on space
> colonies?
Why bother? Space can support a HUGE population. Run out
of space? Build another habitat! Materials and energy are
easily available...