DNA Yea or Nay?

Lampman · 06-09-2007, 15:00

A proposal by one of our betters is that it would be fairer for everyones DNA to be held on record,rather than just criminals.
Thoughts on a postcard please,don't lick the stamp!

flashy · 06-09-2007, 15:42

myself i dont think its a bad thing, it would be a lot easier to check people out if they did do it for everyone, but thats just my opinion

Lolly · 06-09-2007, 15:50

I agree with Flashy. Why not?? If you've done nothing wrong and don't plan on doing anything then why should you worry??

BERNADETTE · 06-09-2007, 15:50

I don't think it's a bad idea, after all if you have nothing to hide why should it bother you?

Lampman · 06-09-2007, 15:55

I think the worry is that DNA profiles can be used to provide biometric information as to the likelyhood to our susceptibility to Cancer and other life threatening illness.
We would then find it difficult to get insurance or even certain jobs.

BERNADETTE · 06-09-2007, 16:06

I don't think it is a bad thing knowing what you are susceptible to because you can then change your lifestyle accordingly. I have found out quite a lot about cancer since Ian was diagnosed and avoiding certain things can help you to reduce your chances of getting it in the first place. I know it isn't a guarantee but surely if you can help yourself that is a good thing!!

Lampman · 06-09-2007, 17:20

Fair comment Bernadette.I would still worry about the uses others could utilise the information though.
A good one for the conspiracy fans!

flashy · 06-09-2007, 17:21

if it was found out that more people would be suseptable to cancer then surely thats a good thing, the government might pull there finger out and get more resources to 1, educate people to be more aware of cancer and 2, put more money into cancer treatments

Gayle · 06-09-2007, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lampman

Fair comment Bernadette.I would still worry about the uses others could utilise the information though.
A good one for the conspiracy fans!

Obviously Jambutty hasn't been online this afternoon or I'm pretty sure we would have had his views on this subject by now.

Lampman · 06-09-2007, 17:32

Could well be,though my personal belief is that we would have a two tier insurance system,people who were likely to develop illness would not receive cover for Mortgage payments for example.Perhaps employees would vet applicants,who knows?
If the political will was there it could be a good thing,though I wouldn't hold my breath.

flashy · 06-09-2007, 17:40

look at it from another point though, it may help stop the spreading of aids (yes i know you cant ever stop it but it may help)

Lampman · 06-09-2007, 17:44

Yes there are positive uses.

Less · 06-09-2007, 17:47

I am absolutely for yes it's one area that if your profile is known you should be less likely to abuse someone else, we have the technology the only people that will be frightened are those that otherwise would be tempted.

Although, to make it work, I think there would have to be re-assurances that DNA samples weren't used to check for passed crimes when given voluntarily, only crimes that happen after the sample is taken, (not because I have anything to hide, just to start with a level playing field and to keep us all in order).

SPUGGIE J · 06-09-2007, 18:11

If they want it they can have it. I have no objections to having my DNA profile on a computer database as I have nowt to hide. If it helps get better treatment for a disease or cheaper insurance for not having a greater chance of getting one then bring it on. The benefits are greater than the the pitfalls.

Margaret Pilkington · 06-09-2007, 18:11

I would say yes if I thought it would make one iota of difference to the criminal element getting away with things...but I don't think it will make any difference at all.
So it is going to help nail all these crims and what will the honourable Judge Sedley do then......? Why, he'll slap them on the wrist, give them a ludicrously light sentence in a prison that is more like a holiday camp and then they will be let out again.

I also do not trust this government to run a database with such sensitive information on it and keep it safe.

I am a decent law abiding citizen and should have nothing to fear from such a move...but fear it I do...and I won't be offering my DNA at any time soon.