The Future of Ethical Science

by Jenn Lin
 
Stem-cells have the potential to literally become any type of cell within the body; the very nature of cloning is derivative of these types of cells and can be found in multi-cellular organisms. Scientists have strived to further stem-cell research because it could also lead to “treatments for diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s” (Payne, 2009), as well as spinal cord injuries by replacing those damaged or lost brain cells, vital organs, nerve tissue, etc.; the remedies for the aforementioned are all highly sought after. Yet the pursuit of stem-cell research is only one example of how scientific advancement at the disregard for ethics could potentially lead to the most frightening realities of tomorrow; when the preservation of one thing at the destruction of another is at stake, there’s no telling what the repercussions could be – Frankenstein, anyone?

 

Editor Vs. Editor – Immorality vs. Neutrality

BBC (UK equivalent to CBC) recently refused to provide the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which oversees 13 aid organizations, with free airtime for the international humanitarian Gaza charity appeal. The DEC hoped that BBC would follow through on their 1963 agreement to provide such service for relief agencies. Yet their decision was to reject the appeal on the grounds of impartiality and also the uncertainty concerning how they would deliver aid in such “volatile situations” (BBC release).

For argument purposes, Chitha and Jenn have intentionally taken up a side to explore the controversy regarding this topic.

Immorality vs. Neutrality

Jenn: Chitha, have you read the new January 23rd Media Alert on MediaLens.org?

Chitha: Yes, I have.

Jenn: And? What’s your take on it? Is BBC justified in rejecting the appeal or not?

Editor VS Editor

Humans make resolutions… except ones about themselves?

Jenn: You know what our problem is, Chitha? I mean, the problem with humans being humans.

Chitha: What are you even talking about?

Jenn: We get away with this phase called “growing up.”

Chitha: I’m lost – explain…

Editor Vs. Editor: Buy Nothing Day? What’s that?

Chitha: Hey, did you hear what happened on Friday?

Jenn: November 23rd Black Friday, you mean? (Black Friday occurs the Friday after every Thanksgiving in the US. It does not occur in Canada.)

Chitha: Yeah. Someone died that day at Walmart in the US because the crowds surged through the doors and trampled over one of the poor workers.

Jenn: Yeah, I heard. My teacher was talking about it in class today too.

Chitha: Oh? What did they say?

Editor VS. Editor; Promising Future?

Since this month’s issue focuses on Remembrance day and Peace – Jenn and Chitha have decided to battle it out a little bit more peacefully this month. Read and find out what they’re up to!

Topic: A Promising Future?

Jenn: Guess what Chitha – yesterday (November 4th) was history in the making. Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States – the first black president ever.

Chitha: Wasn’t that pretty much decided since Obama’s campaign started? All I’ve heard on the news is how McCain didn’t have enough support and how he had little chance of winning. So, I’m not surprised at the results.

Jenn: Well, okay technically he isn’t president just yet, since the electoral college still has to vote for him on November 15th and then he has to get sworn in on December 15th… but I mean there were a lot of doubts thrown about here and there in the media, and we all know how the media affects the masses.

Chitha: That’s true. Personally, I think that most people voted based on what they’d heard on the news and not really on what the candidates stood for.
But I guess the message was simple when it came to Obama. “Yes we can!”

Editor vs. Editor – Oct 14th Election

Topic: “To Vote or Not to Vote; THAT is the Question…”

J: Chitha, the elections are coming up!

C: So…?

J: SO?! I went to an all-candidates meeting a couple of weeks ago, and now all I can think about is politics.

C: Oh? How did it go?

J: It was pretty interesting actually. Within just half an hour I was able to learn a lot about each political party – not including the Conservatives because they just didn’t show up – and got a feel for what they stand for. I was sad that I had to leave early. But hey, who would you vote for? Do you even believe in voting?

C: I don’t know. I think I’m divided between NDP and the Green Party, and yes, I believe in voting. However, there are many times when I have been disappointed when they have not held up their end of the bargain. Idealistically, the perfect politician would do everything that they promise. In reality, we know that that is impossible, and people make mistakes. Yet it’s those politicians that ride of corporate sponsorship and secret agreements that bother me. Those are the ones that have their hands deep in their pockets and smile at the camera when necessary.

editor vs. editor: 2008 beijing olympics

Each month, Jenn and Chitha have the task of figuring out what goes in the paper and how they want to present it.  Usually they agree, but occasionally, they need to battle ti out.  In this new segment of the Windermere Word, the two editors will go head to head trying to figure out the whole story behind controversial issues.  They would like to proudly present to you…

EDITOR VS. EDITOR
Topic of the Month: The 2008 Beijing Olympics

J: So Chitha, did you watch the Olympics?
C: No, it’s not my thing.
J: Really? Me neither – never have time to follow it. Why don’t you watch it?
C: I just don’t see the purpose of it. It’s just a huge thing that’s lost its meaning.
J: Well, I think the Olympics are great because they give countries a chance to show off their athletes. Some athletes train all their lives just to get five minutes of fame. But look at Michael Phelps – holy smokes.