Stem cells and the integrity of human life
Re: “Stem-cell research and protecting human life,” Aug. 17 Open Forum.
Letter-writer Kathleen Freeman states that the unique DNA code in an embryo is “sacred and marvelous,” and destroying such would “undermine the very integrity of our species.” Using this logic, she should not object to the murdering of one of a set of identical twins, as the DNA code still exists and flourishes in the other. Similarly, when any man simply stands next to any woman, there exists a set of unique DNA codes for each sperm in him and egg in her. Must we force them to procreate so that these combinations are not lost?
The key point in the stem-cell debate is that researchers are looking to use embryos that would otherwise be discarded. It really is as simple as that. Prohibiting their use by science would not save any lives; allowing their use by science perhaps may.
Chris Becke, Denver
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I read with interest and some confusion the letter from Kathleen Freeman. She says, in essence, we need to consider whether these cells are worthy of the protection of their life. I believe these cells are already destined to die by being discarded. Wouldn’t it be more humane if these cells were used to give the right to life to someone suffering a terminal disease who might be saved by these destined-to-die cells? Wouldn’t it be more like giving “the right to life” to someone destined to die?
Howard M. Botnick, Aurora
Use of unnecessary force by police
Re: “In defense of Taser use,” Aug. 11 Open Forum.
I am surprised that some people, including letter-writer Denise Puckett, think the police ought to be able to use any means possible to make people do what they want. A police officer must have a reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed or is about to be committed to detain someone. Without that, he has no legal authority to detain someone or use a Taser on them.
As a public defender, I know some seasoned officers who rarely encounter defendants who resist arrest because the officers speak respectfully to suspects and do not try to dehumanize them. When they encounter people who resist, the seasoned officers use their arms and legs to detain them, not their weapons. That way, there are many fewer injuries to everyone.
On the flip side, recent graduates of the police academy tend to go for their Tasers the moment someone they’ve detained disagrees with them.
The police have a hard job, but they are paid well for it and they have a great deal of power over others. Therefore, they should exercise their power wisely. This is not the old Soviet Union where the police can do whatever they want. It’s the United States, where the power of the government is supposed to be limited.
Laurie L. Cole, Denver
Roadless areas in forests
Re: “Salazar: No leases in roadless areas,” Aug. 9 news story.
The recent auction of our national forests is a sad reminder that our political leaders have closer ties to corporate interests than to the people. The selling off of public land is beyond the bounds of the Bush administration’s authority, and therefore promises to protect the roadless areas should be kept.
This whole scenario is especially unfortunate considering Colorado’s national forests generate far more revenue from recreational activities than extraction industries.
At the very minimum, the federal government should heed Sen. Ken Salazar, who said, “Roadless areas should not be subject to leasing for any purpose until the states have their opportunity to recommend future management.”
Regardless of whether the U.S. Forest Service is bound to the decision of a state, Gov. Bill Owens has an obligation to the state of Colorado to fight for the protection of the roadless areas.
Kevin Mohatt, Denver
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