-:Undertaker:-
17-06-2013, 11:46 PM
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ls3ySHKj4CY/TqmWXbK8eXI/AAAAAAAAKC4/6eASSHaHfxw/w506-h750/1984-was-not-supposed-to-be-an-instruction-manual-31725.jpeg
Should the state take DNA samples of newborns?
The debate over civil liberties and the reach of the state is a complex on, with those favouring the current drift towards the pretext of security over liberty saying that we have nothing to fear from western-styled government and that in an increasingly global age it is a mere natural process that the state will accumilate more power and will need to in order to protect its subjects (UK) or citizens (US). A much floated idea by those who favour state power is that newborns ought to have DNA samples taken and listed on a record so that in the future, if any crimes are committed they will be easily trackable and crime should therefore fall/be easy to solve.
The opponents of this idea say that our liberties are precious and that an all-powerful state is a utopian idea that only the gulliable would believe in. Opponents would also say that the sort of mass DNA-taking by the government for our 'ultimate safety' would go completely against the grain of our English (later British) style liberty - something that the US Constitution was founded on. Finally opponents would argue that the biggest danger to your safety and wellbeing doesn't come from criminality but rather a criminal state which would have near complete control.
Here is a famous quote on the topic to open it up to you...
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin
So what do you think? should newborns have painless DNA samples taken at birth? or is that a sign of the state overstepping its remit. Debate away!
There are plenty of nifty prizes to be won within this forum. Positive contributions towards official debates will sometimes be rewarded with a month's VIP subscription in a colour of your choice as part of the Top Contributor award. As well as this, reputation will be awarded throughout the debate to those who make valid and constructive posts. Those who make the best contributions within a month win the Debater of the Month award and wins themselves a month's worth of forum VIP and 10 reputation points. Finally, those who create debate topics that generate a lot of buzz and engaging discussion will receive 20 reputation points.
The debate is open to you.
Should the state take DNA samples of newborns?
The debate over civil liberties and the reach of the state is a complex on, with those favouring the current drift towards the pretext of security over liberty saying that we have nothing to fear from western-styled government and that in an increasingly global age it is a mere natural process that the state will accumilate more power and will need to in order to protect its subjects (UK) or citizens (US). A much floated idea by those who favour state power is that newborns ought to have DNA samples taken and listed on a record so that in the future, if any crimes are committed they will be easily trackable and crime should therefore fall/be easy to solve.
The opponents of this idea say that our liberties are precious and that an all-powerful state is a utopian idea that only the gulliable would believe in. Opponents would also say that the sort of mass DNA-taking by the government for our 'ultimate safety' would go completely against the grain of our English (later British) style liberty - something that the US Constitution was founded on. Finally opponents would argue that the biggest danger to your safety and wellbeing doesn't come from criminality but rather a criminal state which would have near complete control.
Here is a famous quote on the topic to open it up to you...
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin
So what do you think? should newborns have painless DNA samples taken at birth? or is that a sign of the state overstepping its remit. Debate away!
There are plenty of nifty prizes to be won within this forum. Positive contributions towards official debates will sometimes be rewarded with a month's VIP subscription in a colour of your choice as part of the Top Contributor award. As well as this, reputation will be awarded throughout the debate to those who make valid and constructive posts. Those who make the best contributions within a month win the Debater of the Month award and wins themselves a month's worth of forum VIP and 10 reputation points. Finally, those who create debate topics that generate a lot of buzz and engaging discussion will receive 20 reputation points.
The debate is open to you.