Red Blooded American Boy

Archive for the ‘Life’ Category

Its been ten years since the human genome project produced its first genetic “map.” At the time, genetic diagnosis of disease was projected to occur by 2010. Well, we are here in 2010 and those zealous ambitions are not fully realized. The reason for this is simple. Drawing a map is easier than actually getting to a destination. It is one matter to create a genome map and another entirely to to diagnose, treat and eradicate diseases. Herein rests the problem for the genome project; it runs the risk of becoming the next area of science full of fabricated data.

Consider the following:

• The US Government spent 3 billion on the Human Genome Project.
• The Pharmaceutical industry has also spent billions using the maps to create genetic tests and medications to treat diseases.
• The government takeover of healthcare will result in a passive takeover of the pharmaceutical industry. If drug makers plan to be reimbursed by the US Government, then they will comply with its mandates on treatments.
• The US Government will control what medications are researched, developed and distributed to people. Good treatments will most definitely be deferred if they are costly. Canada already does this.
• The ARRA of 2009 has pushed millions of dollars into the US Healthcare Industry to make an electronic medical record for all citizens by 2014.
• The US Government dictates what the EMRs (electronic medical records) must contain and how the data is communicated.
• The US Government keeps failing entities afloat by deeming them “too big to fail” and artificially propping them up with an infusion of debt.
• Death is cheaper than life.

The human genome map is akin to a flat map of the earth. The earth is round, and can never be accurately depicted as flat. The flat map still has distortions which cannot be avoided. Likewise, the genome map is flat and does not complete the full genetic picture of humanity. Variants have been found on the path to simply use the map to diagnose disease. It seems there are other factors out there that contribute to disease beyond the simple cut and dry evidence of a genetic marker. The number of variations already identified have some scientists worried that what they are seeing is nothing more than “statistical illusions.”

Where in this situation is there ANY motivation for science to be honest in its results? There is NO checks and balances to prevent data suppression and outright fraud. We have already seen a huge global push for the manipulation of climate data in support of an agenda. Is it too far to anticipate our government would purposely neglect or even fabricate data to keep heathcare costs down?

Patient data from clinical trials data can be manipulated in the same manner that climate data was changed. The success or failure of a drug or treatment could be manufactured to support the government’s agenda. Furthermore, the data could be hidden behind the veil of government secrecy, making it difficult for suspect situations to be investigated. The Feds could discourage research into their actions by making every request for information a prolonged FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) battle.

The only guarantee that our government can provide is that we can expect to die someday. The government’s goal will be to keep things cheap in our journey from the cradle to the grave.

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Never anticipate wealth from any other course than labor.  Especially never place dependence upon becoming the possessor of an inheritance. He who runs after a shadow has a wearisome race.

–  Readings For Young Men, Merchants, and Men of Business

We love upright, energetic men. Pull them this way, and then that way, and the other, and they only bend, but never break. Trip them down, and in a trice they are on their feet. Bury them in the mud, and in an hour they will be out and bright. They are not ever yawning away existence, or walking about the world as if they had come into it with only half their soul; you cannot keep them down; you cannot destroy them. But for these the world would soon degenerate.

They are the salt of the earth. Who but they start any noble project? They build our cities and rear our manufactories; they whiten the ocean with their sails, and they blacken the heavens with the smoke of their steam-vessels and furnace fires; they draw treasures from the mine; they plow the earth. Blessings on them! Look to them, young men, and take courage; imitate their example; catch the spirit of their energy and enterprise, and you will deserve, and no doubt command, success.

– Readings for Young Men, Merchants, and Men of Business, 1866

A reminder of what Inalienable means:

This is a new year, this is new day, to rise shine, lift up your eyes

This is a new year, this is a new day to rise shine, and point the way to God’s great life

Where hope can hold the hand of sorrow and we can walk into tomorrow

Where peace is found in troubled days and the joy of Jesus carries pain

– Lyrics “New Year” by Charlie Hall. Release on the CD “The Bright Sadness“

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In a sad political spectacle, Obama visited the caskets of eighteen fallen war heroes.  On the surface, this appears very compassionate and caring of the President.  But, this inaction is a stunt to give the impression of support for our troops.  Obama is setting up a media storm of tears for fears, to construct a somber response to a dire situation. 

Ultimately, the Democrats are setting America’s expectations of defeat to become the new victory.  Sending the boys home defeated will be the victory.  Expect an emotional smorgasbord of war-stories to surface.  People will cry and scream.  Pain will be the order of the day.  Books will emerge.  Michael Moore might do another movie.  Cindy Sheehan will be back from the media dust pile.  

It is certain that a scaled down response to Lieutenant General McChrystal request is sure to quietly pass from the White House chambers.  When he sends an army of “300” to do the work of thousands, he will claim to have drawn inspiration from the dead soldiers he saluted.  The liberal media will present the President as torn and heart-broken over his decision.

Bush will be blamed for the failure in Afghanistan.  Why should we expect Obama to be blamed for it?  After all, Obama was only voting ‘Present’.