Destruction of smallpox

[Peter Rauch]

Like some say, the Earth Spirits work in strange and devious ways.

What if humanity is as inept at controlling our population size as
we are at controlling our tempers? The implication might be that we
shouldn't try to be too successful in attempting to remove those agents
and means which might be other Earthlings' near term salvation, if
not our own.... On the other hand, Mother Nature doesn't care.
Peter

> Date:         Thu, 1 Aug 1996 13:16:14 -500
> From: "Michael A. Vincent" <VINCENMA at CASMAIL.MUOHIO.EDU>
>
> I do not think that keeping the smallpox virus alive is a wise
> choice.  If the genetic code of the virus is needed for future
> research, then isolate the genetic material and destroy the organism.
>
> Why keep something around that could destroy the next generation of
> (unvaccinated) people?

> Should we ever decide to completely destroy atomic weapons, who would
> argue in favor of keeping a few around "for future research"?