Designer Babies

Many genetic scientists are uncomfortable with the idea of "designer babies," and for good reason. There is no way to predict which gene will provide the crucial mutation at the crucial moment in species adaptation, and tinkering with the gene pool necessarily limits one of the most important factors in species survival, namely diversity. No joking matter.--Professor Fouke, 80 and on it.

Quotes from my Forthcoming Book

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become grossly one-sided; after 65 years the argument that Israel constantly faces a grave existential threat is losing force and being replaced by an international call for justice. Israel’s current leadership must set the table for the generation in waiting to lead the country to a fair solution and peaceful coexistence with the Palestinians.

Nugent's Potty Mouth

I am troubled by Ted Nugent’s foul-mouthed criticisms of President Obama. It is one thing to disagree, but quite another to disrespect. There are many legitimate reasons for opposing Obama’s positions on a number of issues. But Nugent’s nasty name-calling—all too common these days—actually does more harm than good. Instead of arguing for a moral position, the right is simply throwing mud. This illustrates perfectly the ideological breakdown of the conservative/republican side of the political spectrum. Would somebody please shut Nugent and his ilk up, so we can get on with a real conversation?

—Professor Fouke, 80 years old and too busy to die.

Quotes from my Forthcoming Book

Those who already had their say in government—the noblemen/landowners—were horrified by the idea of the mob and the middle-class having a hand in their own governance. Those already privileged with power, in any society, are the brakes that slow down the progress from Status to Contract, and from Contract to Dignity—this was true in 18^th century England, and it is true in 21^st century America.

Kickstarter Mission Statement

Our fund-raising Kickstarter goal is $15,000 to cover the costs of editing, design, printing/publishing and rewards. If we receive more pledges this is how the money will be spent.

 

If an additional $10,000 is raised we will distribute copies of the book to 500 opinion makers, including rabbis, priests, pastors, professors, book reviewers, editors, and anyone whom our backers nominate.

 

If  and additional $10,000 raised (total of $35,000) we hope to publish a companion book, Jews Who Influenced a Goyim: Evangelizing through Example.        

 

If additional $12,000 raised (total of $47,000) we'd like to complete the founding of a non-profit Time to Survive Educational Foundation. 

 

Any sums over $47,000 will be spent on the work of the Foundation to promote a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and apply lessons learned from the Jewish survival experience to the survival of the planet.

Quotes from my Forthcoming Book

It is my contention that a Society of Dignity is the next step, and a necessary one. We are not there yet, though hints of it are beginning to appear, giving us a peep at what the future could be, if we will it. While the Society of Contract preaches merit and ability, the Society of Dignity would expand on that to include the worth and dignity of every individual. Not everyone is successful in the Society of Contract—the disabled, minorities, the luckless. A Society of Dignity is a Society of Contract with Purpose; it represents the coming of the Judaic ideal, “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” and of the Christian ideal, “Thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven.” The Society of Dignity represents affirmative rights for all, including a minimum standard of living—dignified and humane work to do, healthcare, education, freedom from hunger, freedom from discrimination of any kind—and these human rights are for all, regardless of merit and ability. The Society of Dignity is one that takes seriously the notion that “I am my brother’s keeper,” one that takes seriously the notion that “as you do unto the least of these, you do unto me.”

Quotes from my Forthcoming Book

The 4000-year history of the Jewish people offers great lessons in survival strategies on a tribal and “distinct people” level, many of which can be magnified and applied on a “species survival” level.

Quotes from my Forthcoming Book

      99.9 percent of all species known to have existed on this planet are now extinct—failed experiments in evolution. The idea, whether religious or secular, that the human species is somehow exempt from this calculation is no longer credible. We are the first species on this planet to “do science,” as Carl Sagan pointed out; but, thereby, we are also the first species to engineer a means of mass collective suicide (nuclear, chemical, and biological).

Quotes from the Forthcoming Book

At my age it isn’t necessary to cultivate a feeling of responsibility for posterity. The feeling blooms in my breast quite naturally each time I look into the faces of my grandchildren. What kind of world will they live in? Will they know peace and security? Will they have a real chance at achieving the American Dream? Will their grandchildren even have the chance to exist? This book is for them, and their children’s children, and so on down that great living line. Here I offer thoughts and observations from a lifetime of political study and experience, in hopes that my own humble perspective might help make the world a better place for those who come after me.