black and white issue becomes very gray when an individual tries to define human pain and suffering. It is obvious to most that Parkinson's disease fits this definition, but what about the eleven year old boy who is tired of being picked on at school for being short? Should being below average height be considered a source of pain and suffering? A point must be made that practically everyone gets 'picked on' at some point in his or her life because of a particular physical trait. Perspective is needed here. Having to deal with being below average height simply cannot be compared to having to deal with Parkinson's disease. I do believe that it will be necessary to develop new laws and regulations to prevent industries and individuals from taking advantage of human gene therapy techniques. I understand that forming such regulations would be a very difficult and complex task, but I personally believe it to be very necessary. There is so much truth to the saying that variety is the spice of life, and actually, without biological variety the human population will be doomed. Therefore, it is important to be very selective and particular when deciding who should be allowed to receive gene therapy treatments. Mother Nature has done very well on her own for billions of years. We must respect her wisdom and be very prudent when contemplating making a change in her grand design....
