Send in the Clones

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. It was announced earlier this week that researchers at Harvard are looking to attempt cloning human cells in order to harvest embryonic stem cells. This is the latest attempt by scientists to circumvent the 'stickiness' that surrounds stem cell research. It just amazes me that at a place like Harvard, they would even consider this type of move. I'm not here to argue the moral or ethical implications of the research, nor am I here to argue about whether cloning is right or wrong. However, these recent moves by Harvard bring up and interesting concept; we are living in the Earth equivalent of the Star Wars universe. What do I mean? Well, we're talking about human cloning. Can you imagine the possibilities?

Reapplications and initial applications to the military are on the decline. What was the Star Wars solution? Simple, clone Jango Fett and then multiply him by a bazillion. Instant occupation army for you. But why stop there? Besides helping us boost our numbers in the military, having a bunch of clones around would help in other ways as well. How many times have you woken up and just regretted the fact that you had to go to work? Exactly! Solution? Send in a clone. You could have a series of clones for you for just such incidents. Have too many social obligations and don't want to disappoint the masses? Send in a clone! Have a bunch of boring meetings to attend in the office? Send in a clone! You notice the trend here and are you sensing some of the hidden benefit to this type of research?

Of course, now that the suggestion is out there, there will be the flip side to consider as well. I mean how long do you think it will be before some group comes up with clone rights? I mean we probably are a little late to be bringing that up. From the time news started leaking out of Korea that scientists over there were preparing to clone humans, I'm sure there are clone rights groups popping up all over the place. I mean after all, why should they fulfill our obligations, serve in our armies, attend our meetings and parties? They have the same rights as we do don't they? Of course they do. I mean the only difference between us and them is.... we all don't have numbers and batch ID's as part of our names.

I do believe that clone rights should be considered. I mean after all, we saw what happens when clones are not given proper rights. They are drafted into the Galactic Empire's Army and are made to be fodder for the Clone Wars. How fair is that!?