The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed suit against the U.S. Patent Office, Myriad Genetics, and the University of Utah Research Foundation claiming unconstitutional behavior and a violation of the First Amendment’s right to free speech. Story »

Myriad was granted two patents on human genes related to breast and ovarian cancer. These genes are natural forming and were not produced by Myriad. The patents prevent other researchers from testing on these genes and has arguably slowed the rate of progress toward preventing these types of cancer.

The claim that this is a violation of the right to free speech is a bit far-fetched, though. They are not keeping someone from stating their opinion. Is studying a gene “speech”?

While I agree that the patents are wrong, I do not agree with the ACLU’s goals. The suit should have focused on reversing the patents based on existing guidelines and rules. The ACLU will likely not get very far with their approach.

The two patents in question are for publicly available items – which cannot be patented. “It’s like trying to patent the moon,” expressed Arthur Caplan of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania. “You didn’t do anything to create it, just discovered something that already existed.”

Patents are privileges, not rights. They can be taken away if it is found that the patent was issued improperly.

And as much as it pains me to say it, the ACLU is right to try to change this. They are just doing it the wrong way.

Source: CNN.com – ACLU sues over patents on breast cancer genes

Borger’s only evidence that Republicans are destroying their credibility is in that former House Speaker Newt Gingrinch was not nice enough to President Obama after the successful conclusion of the pirate hostage situation.

Gingrich was micro-blogging on Twitter about the Somali pirate situation this past weekend. Gingrich stated that not dealing with the pirates makes the US “look weak.” After the successful rescue he then gave a congratulations to the SEAL team, the Navy, and directly to President Obama.

This wasn’t enough for Obama-crazed sheep, though. Gingrich didn’t kneel down and beg for forgiveness from their ruler. How dare he?!

Back to Borger – Gloria stated that Republicans are losing credibility. So, who are the other Republicans she found who acted so wrongfully? Anyone? Not a single other Republican is quoted, named, or even referred to in this horrible piece of journalism.

Oh, and for the record. I do want to give a sincere “Job well done” to Obama. This was the right move, and I am proud he made it. Oops, I just blogged away my credibility.

Original article: Visit CNN.com

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Speaking of Zombies, I highly recommend reading World War Z by Max Brooks. It is a detailed written history of World War Z (WWZ) and the global Zombie attack. I also suggest picking up a copy of Day by Day Armageddon, written by J.L. Bourne. Both are great reads.

Original Source: FOXNews.com

A private school’s girls basketball team whooped another team an incredible 100-0. While this sounds like an outstanding display of athleticism, it is also a horrible showing of unsportsmanlike conduct.

The winning team from the Covenant School (located in Dallas) played with a full court press and took an incredible number of three point shots to reach the 100 point mark. Their opponent was Dallas Academy, a private school with just 20 girls enrolled. There are no mercy rules in the private school league, but the players and coach of Covenant should have followed the “golden rule.” Obviously they were the better team. But to grind it into their opponents like this is unbelievable.

Fortunately, the head of the school has requested that their win be forfeited. At least someone at Covenant has a conscience. Also, the losing team’s players showed their strength and resolved and continued to play throughout the entire game. Bravo to the Dallas Academy team. Boo to the Covenant School.

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