Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : Pro Choice Action Team -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: DOUG H who wrote (211)	2/7/2001 2:15:54 PM
From: E	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 948

Doug, when I posted to you, I didn't yet know about the new thread. <<Are you saying that this microscopic cluster could medically be something other than a human and that under different circumstances it creates something else? >> It could not create something else. What it would eventually create is a human being. A person. Eventually. Eventually. Eventually. You and I agree that an infant is a person and a human. You and I agree that a late term fetus is a person and a human. But a microscopic cluster of human cells (which is what an ovum is, and what a sperm is, and what a bit of blood or any tissue is) was, by your language, conveniently transformed from "human cells" to "a human." You added an "a," and said "a human." That is a maneuver, though perhaps an unconscious one. You equate, in this case and no other on earth, a potential* for an eventual, physical reality.* They are human cells, they are not "a human." In your normal mind-state, Doug, you know the difference between a poached egg and a chicken dinner and would think anyone who claimed you should eat the former but pay for the latter was absurd; but because your metaphysical belief is that "a human" is defined solely by a moment in which a spirit-entity called by many a "soul" enters those cells, you deny what is obvious to you in all other situations you encounter. Again: You make the mistake, or strategic choice, of equating the statements "life begins at conception" and "a human being exists at conception." Sure it is a certain kind of "life," that cell cluster. But it isn't a human being. It is the first stage in the production (maybe) of a human being. But... many of those who define "a human being" metaphysically, ie religiously, as you do ("something happens to those cells that's kind of magical as soon as they unite!") want to force those who don't share their metaphysical notions to live by them anyway. That is uncivilized and unAmerican.

To: DOUG H who wrote (211)	2/7/2001 2:19:21 PM
From: E	Respond to of 948

The belief that the moment of metaphysical magic is more important than the suffering of human beings results in hideous immorality. AT HOME ABROAD Bush and AIDS, By ANTHONY LEWIS, NYT, Feb 3 (Excerpts) ...Every day about 15,000 are newly infected with H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS. .... As millions die around the world, leaving millions of orphans — as whole societies crumble — our moral posture will be challenged. So will our economic outlook, based as it is on global prosperity. ... George W. Bush, in his first major decision as president, took an action that will increase the spread of AIDS. That was his decision to deny U.S. aid to family-planning organizations abroad that inform women about medical options including abortion. Government funding of abortions abroad has been prohibited by law since 1973. The Bush rule says that clinics in developing countries will lose U.S. funds if they even discuss abortion with their patients. What it means on the ground is this: A woman who has AIDS comes to a clinic somewhere in Africa or Asia. Drugs to prevent transmission of the disease to newborn infants are not available there. She desperately wants to avoid bearing the child. But the doctor or nurse cannot advise her on a safe, legal abortion if the clinic wants to keep its American funds. ...The result? Families will not get contraceptives. Without them, more people will be infected with H.I.V. — and in due course develop AIDS. nytimes.com