The issue of cloning

I was extremely surprised to see The Jakarta Post joining in the chorus against scientists in the wake of recent revelations about cloning. To label "western" scientists as uncaring about morality, much less religion, is both nonsense and bordering on the hysterical.

The very same "Western" scientists have produced the technology which is responsible for every single item of clothing you are now wearing. For every single fixture, fitting, calculator, computer, telephone, fax, printing machine, ink, desk, lamp, pen and paper. Even the filling in your tooth. Not to mention the buildings and roads outside. In fact, the whole infrastructure of your country.

Of course, you say Western scientists because there simply are no "Eastern" scientists. At least, none that have ever contributed anything useful to the modern world.

Western science built the modern world by venturing into the unknown, the uncharted waters of knowledge. In short, by doing exactly the opposite of what you recommended in your last paragraph.

Your suggestion that scientists should concentrate on doing "something beneficial for mankind" deserves no comment from me. I suggest that your newspaper avoids writing nonsense and concentrates on promoting truth and justice.

DEREK REDICAN

Jakarta