I absolutely agree, RavenX.

Using plant/animal products doesn't necessarily mean violating them [another in our infinitely long acts of violence]... sequencing their genes to produce that substance [gecko glue] isn't really terrible. The robo rat is. "All's well in the name of science" doesn't wash.

WebGizmos is fond of saying, "Just because we can do something doesn't mean we should." I find myself in agreement with that more and more.

Indeed, completely agreed. I've also used that saying that WebGizmo uses as well.

I think people are missing the most obvious thing here when he's talking about life being "Created" artificially. That proves that organic life can be created with chemicals, peptides and mitochondrial dna, in nature. If it can be done in nature, and done artificially by us, then shouldn't that be all the proof that's needed to disprove that we were created by "God"?

While it doesn't prove or disprove the existence of god, it does at least prove that it's highly possible that life came into existence spontaneously in nature through the random convergence of chemicals in nature, such as the chemicals found in undersea smoking vents at incredibly deep depths.

No... not in the least. The two could have happened independently - The Theory of Evolution was arrived at be Wallace and Darwin independently and almost simultaneously. Wallace deferred to Darwin because he did the research. Wallace came by the theory while looking at a spider web one afternoon. Amazing, but true. Just because we can do it does not 'prove' G-d did not.

Neither proves nor disproves the other.

That I can agree with. It does not however, disprove the other.

There're so many possibilities, RavenX... especially those not found in simple a --> b linear, causal thinking.

By the way, on a more personal note, I hope you're feeling better and that the insurance hassle straightened out.

Thanks Doc, I appreciate that my friend. Unfortunately the health department is still screwing me over. Every time I've called or went down there for the last 5 weeks I've gotten the same run-around. They say "I'm sorry sir, your account is still updating or in limbo. We've called and emailed the account company and that's what they tell us. If anything changes you'll know right away"....my ass I'll know right away. Honestly, I think who ever is in charge of signing off on things like this saw that they were going to have to pay for another CAT Scan and then 2 more surgeries and decided not to. In another 2 and a half months my time on the card will run out, then I'll have to re-apply, hope I get approved, and hope they'll ACTUALLY Do Something about it and get me in to get this stuff done before I die. The only thing I got going for me right now is my family doctor has taken pity on me and upped my pain meds, but, he's getting fed up waiting on the county to help me too and I know if I don't make some kind of head-way on this stuff soon he'll cut me off.

You need to contact your congressman/senator. You also need to contact a local paper and try to interest them in your story.

I hear this all too many times, and I am angered and sickened by it.

I agree with the Doc.  Raven, kick up a big stink if you have to.  We don't want to lose you!

Best regards,
Steven.

RavenX, perhaps its time to a) visit your congressman, and do a video and put it on u tube- nad hope it goes viral

I wonder, I know that man will never ve immortal nor medicine free, but can the free market be then trusted with peoples' health and lives, like almost everything else it takes care of?

I appreciate it guys, thank you. It means a lot knowing I have real friends out there.

I really like the idea of posting a Youtube video and then emailing it to your Congressperson and Senator. You might also consider sending a letter to your local newspaper and radio station.

Even big news chains/networks pick up on these vids, RavenX. Emailing CBS, NBC, CNN, etc. couldn't hurt... if you can't get any traction with your congressperson.