I do not deny there are risks to genetic technology (see my post today on mandatory DNA registration of everyone in the UK). My biggest concern is the way such risks are presented. But then again, my optimism does tend to get the better of me.

Perhaps you might consider actually READING my book; you might find it to be very different from your characterization. Or, you might ask the long list of experts who have read it and concur that it is anything but fearmongering.
Unfortunately, serious discussion of important issues too often gets hijacked by those who see only danger in scientific progress and others who deny that there are any dangers at all. The reasoned middle gets drowned out by the polarized and uninformed.
If anyone who reads this blog is interested in analysis of these important matters, I would look forward to comments.

–Barry Kellman

But you are welcome to point me to other things you may have written that oversell genomics.

/me begins to plan defense

Of course it’s valid! I was just poking fun at his sensationalistic tone. (Although I haven’t read the book, just his article in SF Chronicle.)

In my experience and optimistic viewpoint, the potential to do good with genetic science is far greater than doing bad. It’s so easy to get caught up in the what-if’s. I feel that my role is to drum up enthusiasm in the genome revolution instead of instilling fear. I’m also interested in raising awareness on issues like this but in a more moderated, careful way.