X-Message-Number: 8171
Date: Sat, 3 May 1997 19:12:22 -0700 (PDT)
From: Olaf Henny <>
Subject: Cryopreserve Saddam?

I have recently seen a newspaper article, which stated, that Saddam
 Hussein has ordered his scientist to look research  cloning, with 
the purpose of creating a clone of himself.  The article stated 
further, that Saddam is getting more and more concerned about his 
mortality.  
This is of course nothing new.  A lot of despotic dictators have 
looked for ways of prolonging their lives.  Stalin was rumored to 
have invested extensive efforts into live extension; Mao likewise. 
 Hitler and Mussolini probably didn't have a whole lot of 
opportunity to think about it.
For Cryonics this raises some interesting questions.  Setting aside 
the low quality of cryopreservation to be expected due to the 
problems in logistics in getting Saddam transported to America and 
the likely political interference by the State Department, what 
should the policy in similar cases be?  Clearly, the first thing 
that enters my mind in Saddam's case is: Absolutely not.  There are
 other names on the list, Castro in Cuba, Kim II in North Korea and
 a whole bunch of African potentates.  People on death row are 
probably out too.  Then come suspected drug king pins and so on 
down the line with gradually lesser crimes.  Where do you draw the 
line?  Are you refusing a (rumored - there will likely no 
certification) Mafia boss, who was killed in a shoot-out? - a 
Hell's Angel?
Right now, with a the present bunch of cryonicists, a few 
scientist, intellectuals and otherwise informed individuals, there 
is not much of a problem, but when the first cryopreserved mammal 
brain has been revived and proven functional the base of interested
 parties will be broadened considerably to include all kinds of 
"prospects".  
What will the policy of cryonics providers be then?  Just like in a 
hospital: "A patient - is a patient - is a patient?"

I think it will have to be so.

Olaf Henny

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