Re: Liberty vs. Extropy

From: Elizabeth Childs (echilds@linex.com)
Date: Wed May 26 1999 - 00:31:38 MDT


> Eventually the genes
> for criminal tendencies would be weeded out of the population by natural
> selection.

It's my understanding that no genetic link has ever been found for
criminal behavior; indeed, if there were, Australia wouldn't be one of the
most law abiding nations in the world. (Please correct me if I've missed
something; in particular, I wouldn't be surprised if there is a gene for
sociopathy.)

There is, however, an established correlation between corporal punishment
of children and later criminal behavior.

In the US, there is an available adoptive home for every child currently
in foster care, but the law currently will not permit adoption as long as
there is a ghost of a chance that an abusive or addicted parent might,
some day, be able to care for a child. Allowing children to get out of
the notorious foster care system sounds like a good start for preventing
crime.



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