11월 27일

[★AHN★]

Desperate housewife

Dear Annie: I am a 46-year-old woman, married to my husband, "Igor," for 28 years. We have two grown children, "Megan" and "Jon." Megan lives on her own, but Jon is autistic and still lives with us. I have physical problems of my own, although I am managing for the moment. The problem? Igor's mother, who has Alzheimer's, lives with us as well.

My mother-in-law has always been difficult, even evil, and never missed an opportunity to blame Megan for her brother's autism. For some reason, my husband thinks I am supposed to take complete responsibility for her, since I have to stay home and take care of Jon anyway. My mother-in-law hits and kicks, and has hurt me more times than I can count. Igor gets furious when I insist that he assume some of Mom's care on the weekends. He has no interest in how miserable I am.

I would leave him if it weren't for the fact that Jon would have great difficulty adapting to a life with a part-time father. Please help me. -- Desperate in Georgia

Dear Desperate: And how well off will Jon be if you drop from exhaustion? You have your hands full, and your husband is compounding the problem. Your mother-in-law may be better off at a care facility, or you might be able to hire someone to come to your house and give you a break. Call your local Area Agency on Aging, or Eldercare Locator (eldercare.gov) at 1-800-677-1116, and ask what assistance is available.

Dear Annie: Please tell your readers that the Library of Congress has a Veterans History Project at their American Folklife Center.

The Historical Society here in Mason, Mich., already has videotaped over 54 veterans in our local area. We use a digital camcorder to make a tape of the vet's recollections for the museum and give a copy to the family. We also send one to the Library of Congress.

It would speed things up if you could publicize this effort so that other service organizations can do the same in their area. Thanks. -- Dick Ferris, Mason, Mich.

Dear Dick Ferris: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to mention this worthwhile undertaking. The Veterans History Project is looking for firsthand accounts from U.S. veterans of all wars, including Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. It is also seeking records from U.S. civilians, such as USO workers, flight instructors, industry workers, medical volunteers, etc., who were actively involved in the war effort. Aside from verbal or written accounts, The Veterans History Project is interested in photographs and mementos related to the war. (Do not send regular mail -- FedEx or UPS only.) Those who would like to contribute their recollections should call 1-888-371-5848 or access the website at www.loc.gov/vets.

Prove cloning is clean

Dr. Gerald Schatten has reportedly decided to part with Professor Hwang Woo-suk after having participated in stem cell research with the professor.
One of the most prominent authority in stem cell research in the United States, Dr. Schatten has said that he had convincing information that Dr. he would no longer be able to work with him.
It is uncertain at the moment whether Dr. Hwang had actually done anything unethical or connected to the illegal obtainment of eggs, as Dr. Schatten claims he did.
No matter what the truth is, it is regrettable that a man as internationally celebrated as Dr. Hwang is involved in such a controversy. Patients suffering from incurable illnesses must in particular be greatly disappointed, having put their hope in Dr. Hwang.
In fact, it is not the first time that Dr. Hwang has found himself entangled in an ethical controversy.
Other ethics issue emerged when he announced the results of his research in extracting stem cells from a cloned embryo, results that took the world by surprise both this year and last.
The process of obtaining eggs has to be verifiably transparent and ethical. Concerned experts claim that without an ethical foundation, research is blind. However, the ethical concern failed to attract much attention, being overshadowed by Dr. Hwang's glorious research achievements.
When the illegal trafficking of eggs recently emerged as an issue, some suggested that Dr. Hwang had obtained his eggs illegally. A researcher, whose paper was published in the periodical Science as a member of a patient-specified stem cell extraction project, mentioned the possibility of the illegal trafficking of eggs during a police investigation last May. Dr. Hwang has denied the allegation.
At any rate, continuing controversy does nothing to help stem cell research and development.
It is time for Dr. Hwang to step forward and prove that he has done nothing illegal or unethical. Working with life ethics experts to thoroughly investigate the case is one way he could clear his name.
He should also make sure that stem cell research is not hindered by ethical issues ever again. It is Dr. Hwang's duty to live up to the expectations of those who have supported him.
Korea has to lead the world in stem cell research, not only in its achievements but also in its ethics.