THE FRINGE

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Clone numbers

Now that the Scots have learned how to clone sheep, we’ll have to examine all the implications.

The first thing the CBC news hawks came up with was the danger the technique would be used to clone humans. This raises the spectre of someone wanting to develop a master race.

Cloning humans might be a disaster if they decided to reproduce some of those disagreeable CBC producers who think it’s mandatory to change programming every three years whether or not those programs are functioning as they should.

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On the question of cloning sheep, it has rather limited value.

If you have a superior breeding animal and you clone it, you get exactly what you have, not anything better. In a generation or two, someone who breeds quality sheep without benefit of cloning is going to leave you in the dust.

However, one scientist says there is an application of genetic manipulation that could prove useful. One could use it to produce spare parts. If a fellow had a kidney removed it might be possible to develop a replacement that would be compatible.

In the meantime the Canadian House of Commons is busily passing legislation making it illegal to clone humans and, presumably, human segments. The bill had passed second reading as I wrote this, and that means approval in principle.

Shucks. I was hoping it might be possible to trade in a couple of arthritic knees and a moth-eaten brain for parts that would serve me into the approaching next century.

Anyway, I hope the Scots soon produce another clone. I’d hate to think that one female lamb named Dolly would end up the lonely, only clone.