Dr. Francis Collins, who was one of the docs at NIH in charge of the Human Genome Project, is going to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor our President can give. I'm personally a Dr. Collins fan. Although he would never know me from the millions of people he meets every year, I've met him a few times while representing the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network at different functions - mainly functions for the Genetic Alliance. He's always struck me as friendly, very approachable, and he's got a great sense of humor.
One of the books I read this year was his book "The Language of God" where he discusses why his study of science in general, and genetics in particular, prove to him the existence of God. I've actually been meaning to blog about the book for some time, but it's a very heavy subject and I wanted to do it when I had both plenty of time and felt well - and those two moons haven't come together for a while - GRIN!
I would suggest, however, that regardless of whether you're a Christian or not, or whether you're a creationist or an evolutionist, it's a book you should read. If nothing else, he gives a very good background on the different schools of thought on these issues and it's great food for thought. I must say, however, that I especially enjoyed his book because his views were so similar to my own. Sometimes that's a hard place to be when you live in a state like Kansas. Grin! But more on that another time.
You'll also see at the end that Genetic Alliance is pushing for Dr. Collins to get yet another award from Congress.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2007
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
President George W. Bush today announced recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civil award. Established by Executive Order 11085 in 1963, the Medal may be awardedby the President "to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." President Bush will honor these recipients at a White House ceremony on Monday, November 5, 2007.
Gary S. Becker has broadened the spectrum of economics and socialscience through his analysis of the interaction between economics andtopics such as education, demography, and family organization. Hiswork has helped improve the standard of living for people around theworld.Oscar Elias Biscet is a champion in the fight against tyranny andoppression. Despite being persecuted and imprisoned for his beliefs, he continues to advocate for a free Cuba in which the rights of all people are respected.
Francis S. Collins has revolutionized genetic research. Under his leadership, the Human Genome Project mapped and sequenced the full human genome and greatly expanded our understanding of human DNA.
Benjamin L. Hooks has dedicated his life to equality, opportunity, and justice. He is a pioneer of the Civil Rights movement, and his efforts to extend the full promise of America to all its citizens have helped bring our Nation closer to its founding ideals.
Henry J. Hyde has served America with distinction. During his career in the House of Representatives, he was a powerful defender of life and a leading advocate for a strong national defense and for freedom around the world.
Brian P. Lamb has elevated America's public debate and helped open upour government to citizens across the Nation. His dedication to a transparent political system and the free flow of ideas has enriched and strengthened our democracy.
Harper Lee has made an outstanding contribution to America's literarytradition. At a critical moment in our history, her beautiful book,To Kill a Mockingbird, helped focus the Nation on the turbulent struggle for equality.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has helped heal a country torn apart by conflict through perseverance, personal courage, and an unwavering commitment to building a more hopeful future for her homeland. The first woman elected president of an African nation, she has worked to expand freedom and improve the lives of people in Liberia and across Africa.
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Please note – this is not the Congressional Gold Medal, for which a bill has been introduced in the Congress. Keep those letters coming in for that effort – it is a different process entirely. http://geneticalliance.org/ws_display.asp?filter=policy.honor.cosponsor
One of the books I read this year was his book "The Language of God" where he discusses why his study of science in general, and genetics in particular, prove to him the existence of God. I've actually been meaning to blog about the book for some time, but it's a very heavy subject and I wanted to do it when I had both plenty of time and felt well - and those two moons haven't come together for a while - GRIN!
I would suggest, however, that regardless of whether you're a Christian or not, or whether you're a creationist or an evolutionist, it's a book you should read. If nothing else, he gives a very good background on the different schools of thought on these issues and it's great food for thought. I must say, however, that I especially enjoyed his book because his views were so similar to my own. Sometimes that's a hard place to be when you live in a state like Kansas. Grin! But more on that another time.
You'll also see at the end that Genetic Alliance is pushing for Dr. Collins to get yet another award from Congress.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2007
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
President George W. Bush today announced recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civil award. Established by Executive Order 11085 in 1963, the Medal may be awardedby the President "to any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to (1) the security or national interests of the United States, or (2) world peace, or (3) cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." President Bush will honor these recipients at a White House ceremony on Monday, November 5, 2007.
Gary S. Becker has broadened the spectrum of economics and socialscience through his analysis of the interaction between economics andtopics such as education, demography, and family organization. Hiswork has helped improve the standard of living for people around theworld.Oscar Elias Biscet is a champion in the fight against tyranny andoppression. Despite being persecuted and imprisoned for his beliefs, he continues to advocate for a free Cuba in which the rights of all people are respected.
Francis S. Collins has revolutionized genetic research. Under his leadership, the Human Genome Project mapped and sequenced the full human genome and greatly expanded our understanding of human DNA.
Benjamin L. Hooks has dedicated his life to equality, opportunity, and justice. He is a pioneer of the Civil Rights movement, and his efforts to extend the full promise of America to all its citizens have helped bring our Nation closer to its founding ideals.
Henry J. Hyde has served America with distinction. During his career in the House of Representatives, he was a powerful defender of life and a leading advocate for a strong national defense and for freedom around the world.
Brian P. Lamb has elevated America's public debate and helped open upour government to citizens across the Nation. His dedication to a transparent political system and the free flow of ideas has enriched and strengthened our democracy.
Harper Lee has made an outstanding contribution to America's literarytradition. At a critical moment in our history, her beautiful book,To Kill a Mockingbird, helped focus the Nation on the turbulent struggle for equality.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has helped heal a country torn apart by conflict through perseverance, personal courage, and an unwavering commitment to building a more hopeful future for her homeland. The first woman elected president of an African nation, she has worked to expand freedom and improve the lives of people in Liberia and across Africa.
#########
Please note – this is not the Congressional Gold Medal, for which a bill has been introduced in the Congress. Keep those letters coming in for that effort – it is a different process entirely. http://geneticalliance.org/ws_display.asp?filter=policy.honor.cosponsor
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