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Governor Spitzer has proposed to expand NY State's DNA database by collecting samples from every convicted criminal, including those guilty of misdemeanors, like harassment or unauthorized use of a credit card. Spitzer also wants to streamline DNA collection in order for defendants to use it to clear their names.
Currently, the state collects DNA from half of its convicted criminals. Governor Pataki had attempted to create a state DNA database - which Spitzer supported - but the Democrat-led Assembly defeated it. Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver's spokesman tells the Times that the Democratic Assemby members had concerns over how the eveidence would be "cataloged and stored, handled and controlled and processed.”
There has also been civil liberties concerns over DNA collection. However, since Spitzer's proposal would, as the Times puts it, "to require that prosecutors notify the court if they learn that there may be DNA evidence that could exonerate a prisoner," some of the opposition may be more willing to come around.
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Welcome to Gattaca! Can I take your blood sample?
I don't see how this is any different than keeping a database of fingerprints on file. Why not take a cheek swab from anyone arrested, just like they take fingerprints? It might prove to be a useful database to have.
I think its a great idea. There are way to many sexual predators out there who have yet to be caught and punished for the crimes they've committed. Until they're caught and convicted, they'll lurk in the shadows until they find yet another victim.
This sounds fine... if you trust the government. But what if Mr. Spitzer or the governor or the president or one of their near and dear relatives needs a DNA matched donor organ and can't find one anywhere? Do you think it would be beyond their powers to dip into the database, seek out the body they need, and arrange for it to be dead in short order? Do you believe that they are such decent people that this could never happen?
Fern D
You have been watching way too many Sci-Fi movies.
If the political powers that be, where really all that sinister they could just tap into medical databases, Military databases...
Does not say much for your confidence in the democratic process either.
He can have my DNA right in his mouth and then he can SPITZER it right back into mine.
comment #3: you are a dipshit. putting sexual predators in jail does absolutely nothing. you think getting buttfucked in jail is going to rehabilitate them into moral, upstanding citizens when they are released?
To those who think it's a great idea. Why?
#2 If you're arrested, not convicted, but only arrested, you want to give up your DNA? Why?
#5 What processes are you talking about? Habeus corpus? Forget that one. What about unlawful search and seizure. Oh, yeah, the Patriot Act. Oh, yeah, the war on drugs. I have absolutely zero confidenced in any government, or governmental process. Anyone with any sense of history shouldn't either. That's not to say we don't need government. But, look at those people who have been unjustly treated, from property seized, barred from flights (Oops, sorry, your name matched one on the no-fly list - and, by the way, there's not much you can do about it), barred from voting, unjustly convicted of a crime, due to faulty democratic process (which, if you are up on the news, may be rectified through democratic process after 15 - 20 years), sent to Syria to be tortured. Oh, and don't forget slavery, the Dred Scott decision, separate but equal - all rescinded, through democratic processes, but way to late for hundreds of thousands of people.
Wake up. This is one of the few countries where people give away their freedoms willingly.
#3 What do sexual predators have to do with this?
Give up your own DNA. Right now. Go to your local police station and ask them to take a swab. What do you have to fear?
No dignity. No sense.
Steve,
Organ transplants are not science fiction anymore, anymore than DNA databases. The political powers that be could indeed ensure their own access, and in practice the democratic process is oh, heck, just read Cora's post addressing #5, in other words, you.