Stupidity should be cured, says DNA discoverer (James Watson)

[dahunan]

Stupidity should be cured, says DNA discoverer


18:13 28 February 03

NewScientist.com news service

Fifty years to the day from the discovery of the structure of DNA, one of its co-discoverers has caused a storm by suggesting that stupidity is a genetic disease that should be cured.

On 28 February 1953 biologists James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA - the chemical code for all life. The breakthrough revealed how genetic information is passed from one generation to the next and revolutionised biology and medicine.

But in a documentary series to be screened in the UK on Channel 4, Watson says that low intelligence is an inherited disorder and that molecular biologists have a duty to devise gene therapies or screening tests to tackle stupidity.

"If you are really stupid, I would call that a disease," says Watson, now president of the Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory, New York. "The lower 10 per cent who really have difficulty, even in elementary school, what's the cause of it? A lot of people would like to say, 'Well, poverty, things like that.' It probably isn't. So I'd like to get rid of that, to help the lower 10 per cent."

Watson, no stranger to controversy, also suggests that genes influencing beauty could also be engineered. "People say it would be terrible if we made all girls pretty. I think it would be great."

CLICK Link for full story

 

[everman]

At first I thought, well now that would get all the stupid people claiming disability (if it was declared a disease). But then again, they may be too stupid to do so.

 

[Dragnov]

You can't educate the stupid!

 

[human2k]

Allwrite, Eye Will Fined A Cure!!!

 

[wfbberzerker]

james watson is awesome.

 

[ReiAyanami]

who will serve us at mcdonalds?


once stupidity is cured, who will vote for the democrats??

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: dahunan


Watson, no stranger to controversy, also suggests that genes influencing beauty could also be engineered. "People say it would be terrible if we made all girls pretty. I think it would be great."

That guy is f*cking awesome.

 

[godspeedx]

Originally posted by: dahunan

Watson, no stranger to controversy, also suggests that genes influencing beauty could also be engineered. "People say it would be terrible if we made all girls pretty. I think it would be great."

The guy sounds like a 13 year old...

 

[ElFenix]

eugenics, anyone?

 

[Moonbeam]

Absolutly. I just hope it isn't too late for Bush.