A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Really.
brain scanning unborn babies!
Even though it's late-term, I wish this kind of science would, even for a moment, spur policymakers and the public at large to consider, even for a moment, the possibility that we've been doing something horribly, horribly wrong in allowing the termination of unborn lives as a legal option. They have minds! But science only matters when it supports what we want, and if that grotesque, destructive policy tells us anything, it's that we want what we want, no matter the cost. God, help us.
Look—Even though it's late-term, I wish this kind of science would, even for a moment, spur policymakers and the public at large to consider, even for a moment, the possibility that we've been doing something horribly, horribly wrong in allowing the termination of unborn lives as a legal option. They have minds! But science only matters when it supports what we want, and if that grotesque, destructive policy tells us anything, it's that we want what we want, no matter the cost. God, help us.
For anyone whose curiosity has likewise been aroused, here's an article on the ultrasound thing. Sounds like "30 minutes or longer" is an important part of the study (as is the fact that the research was conducted on mice, which have very different brains), since "a typical pregnancy ultrasound tests lasts 15 to 20 minutes."
Your mileage may vary.
Thanks for posting this, Lee. The science is fascinating. And, it reminds me to pray a little more.
It all probably comes back to the Banzai Theorem: "When the response doesn't equal the stimulus, there must be another stimulus." I can't own other people's stuff. Sorry so much of it (bizarrely) came your way.
It was bizarre, but you are correct - there must have been another stimulus.
One of the things I enjoy about writing online is that invites people to relate my observations and experiences to their own, but it's weird how often others can pop by with something utterly unrelated (not to mention how, in yesterday's case, you were somehow made responsible for responding to that unrelated thing). I'm often left wondering, "Did you read what I wrote, or did you just make my journal a place for your stuff? I'd be glad to point you back to your own journal or blog if you like—that's the place that's all about you. This one is mine."
Relating with one another is cool. This other thing, notsomuch.
We're bad enough at misinterpreting each other when we're face to face.
I still like the medium. I just may need to get more comfortable with responding to comments with some version of "Please read this entry" and/or "This isn't your journal," because it still feels weird to have to say those things—they seem self-evident, but they clearly aren't.
I don't know her and already was aware of our wildly differing views, so I don't take any of this personally. Which is good, because I'd be a wreck otherwise!
Your icon cracked me up. Perfect!
This kind of nuttiness wouldn't work in a town hall or a living room—they'd get booted from either. Only on the internet could this behavior be considered "OK." But not by me.
How cute are we.