I should also say that it's now within the realms of possibility to genetically engineer certain traits in a person. Various nations are already exploring the possibility of enhanced "Super Soldiers". Where the rights of the individual stand in all of this is an unsettling question given that these are proprietary technologies owned by corporations. I'm not an expert in the effectiveness of genetic enhancement in human adults. And as I've already mentioned - such would throw up complicated legal issues over who retains ownership once the soldier completes his tour(s) of duty. I'm not sure it's even possible to "switch off" these attributes.
IMO, once they go down this road (and they will!) the likelihood is that they will insert new genetic code before conception. Which throws open a slew of pretty uncomfortable consequences that probably don't bear thinking about.
But what happens in the military soon percolates into the private sector. Ask yourself the question: if Nike, or Adidas could invest a few hundred million in a handful of "super athletes" bred from birth whose performance would outstrip anything we've seen from athletes using the best quality anabolic steroids - would they do it given the millions ... nay ... billions which are made out of elite level athletes today such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tom Brady, Lewis Hamilton, Ronaldo, Lionel Messi etc. etc.?? And would they give a moment's consideration to the moral and ethical questions raised by such a decision? I think I know where my money would go.
IMO, once they go down this road (and they will!) the likelihood is that they will insert new genetic code before conception. Which throws open a slew of pretty uncomfortable consequences that probably don't bear thinking about.
But what happens in the military soon percolates into the private sector. Ask yourself the question: if Nike, or Adidas could invest a few hundred million in a handful of "super athletes" bred from birth whose performance would outstrip anything we've seen from athletes using the best quality anabolic steroids - would they do it given the millions ... nay ... billions which are made out of elite level athletes today such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tom Brady, Lewis Hamilton, Ronaldo, Lionel Messi etc. etc.?? And would they give a moment's consideration to the moral and ethical questions raised by such a decision? I think I know where my money would go.

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