in the front seat

Pope Francis addressed the European Union yesterday.  In a well-crafted speech he challenged Europe to combat the divisiveness of individualism and polarization and remember its founding motto, "Unity in Diversity". The European Union formed by coming together to combat threats and build a better society. Recent crises have left nations pursuing policies of privatization of resources, placing the desires of individuals over the common good of all people, and those that create a moral vacuum filled only by extremism. The future of Europe – added Pope Francis - depends on the recovery of the vital connection between openness to God and the practical and concrete ability to confront situations and problems Christianity is not "a threat to secular Europe but rather an enrichment". In returning to its Christian culture, Europe will regain its "soul" and arise from its "loneliness" Ultimately, what is good for Europe is also good and true for...

I am not sure what is more scary human cloning, or the the the ability to control the human mind. If this were a sci-fi novel or movie we are living in the part of the story that directly precedes the story.    The fact what his technology has already been effectively used on a mouse proves that it is possible. Do we trust technology enough to alter our very DNA, allowing an outside sources to influence our thoughts, control our actions, or change our feelings? Do we trust corporations, researchers, and governments enough that this technology would be used properly and be completely secure? I've often said that science fiction writers are the prophets of our day. What have we witnessed in this area of fiction.  Star Trek had the Borg which used implants to strip people of their individuality connecting them to a collective consciousnesses.  Dr. Who introduced us to the Cybermen which did the very same thing. This list could grow. All of these fictional stori...