Volume II, Issue II
Designer Genes
Francis Collins calls the genetic code "The Language of G-d." Indeed there is a beautiful blueprint for life that causes us to wonder.There is the predictability that is the hallmark of great design but there is more to this wonder than meets the eye. Science suggests that environment and choices we make can have an effect, positive or negative, on how the design unfolds.
The science of epigenetics suggests that our environment and the choices we make in light of it may shape the direction of our development and that of our children. The code, it would seem, is written in such a way as to allow for the creature to be 'modified' to better function in an ever changing environment.
For years biologists assumed that Alaska had two distinct species of brown bear. More recently they discovered that the large Kodiak and the Grizzly were really genetically the same animal. The bigger bears enjoyed a diet rich in salmon and their smaller cousins' diet was a mixture of forage and small game. Environment and diet obviously contributed to the difference in execution of the same genetic plan.
Scientists studying human biology have discovered similar findings. The children of one people group that endured alternating periods of want and plenty showed that the offspring of those who endured famine tended to live longer lives than those born of those who could eat all they wanted. The implication is that we can make the tough choices in the way of diet and lifestyle and better that of our sons and daughters.
But on a deeper level, is it possible to look beyond the "Language of G-d" and be influenced by the designer's mind of the Creator. Can it be that our beings, made in the manner perscribed by our DNA, may begiven to the noblest of purpose or the basest?
History is full of people who have experienced some sort of personal redemption. That is to say they have moved from lives of dark deeds to noble ones. A prime example is John Newton, an English slave trader. He repented of the foul business of trading in human lives and wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace" to explain the redemptive experience that changed his life. Newton would go on to be a major encourager of William Wilberforce, the Parliamentarian who fought for decades to end the slave trade.
Newton, so well depicted by Albert Finney in the film "Amazing Grace" clearly had the capacity to destroy human lives by enslaving them --yet it was Newton who discovered himself to be the slave to the wretched life of a slaver. There is a line in his famous hymn where he says "[I] was blind but now I see!" If man has a spiritual aspect to his character, described by some 'spiritual DNA,' Newton's was clearly and forever altered for the better.
Dr. Francis Collins.
Healthcare: The Saga Continues
On January 6th about 200 Virginians [click to read] showed up at the local offices of Senators Warner and Webb to voice their concerns about so-called healthcare 'reform.' As you know, the President who promised 'transparency' is now pushing for the conference in secret to work out the differences between House and Senate versions of the bill.
Our Senators didn't want to meet with us for town hall meetings so the people had to go to them. ht/SWAC Girl
We tried. David Karaffa set up a forum for the Senators to expain the healthcare legislation but both declined.
Creating a Race of Thugs
Yankee Phil [click to read] Reports on a disturbing trend in British law enforcement... arrest the self-reliant citizen and give rights and protections to the criminal. What kind of citizenry and society will emerge from this trend?
We now have 750 RSVPs. Help push us over 1,000!!!!!
Email at rsvp@richmondteaparty.com [click to respond] and simply put in the subject line how many people you will bring. It is that easy!
Here is the 'companion' TIME Issue [click to read]. I was told that since many Conservatives don't bother to look at the 'Professional' weekly news magazine anymore, someone might miss the full impact of my 'cover commentary.'
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