That’s the view of a former Southern Oregon bio-ethicist who believes the most important discussion in the debate over cloning, stem-cell research and other thorny issues is the one that society has with itself.

"As the wave gets higher, the wave of biotechnology, we have to build bigger and better surfboards to ride it safely," said Greg Fowler, founder of Geneforum, an agency dedicated to better public understanding of the subject.

"We need to have an international consensus on animal cloning and on human reproductive cloning."

Discussion of the ethics surrounding genetic possibilities must transcend entrenched positions that threaten real understanding — and possible progress, said Fowler, a former Southern Oregon University biology professor now living in Portland.

On one hand, some advocates of genetic breakthroughs such as cloning focus almost exclusively on the technical merit of the acts, not their ethical ramifications for society.

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"That’s why we need to have a public debate about the boundaries of scientific research," he said.

On the other hand, critics of the procedures argue that it is immoral or unethical to tamper with genetics, even if it means improved lives for humans.

"Lots of people will say that we’re playing God or that this is unnatural," Fowler said. "But there are considerable inconsistencies. They’re reading the paper with glasses, I assume. That is playing God, too, in a sense."

One key to a thoughtful discussion is education, Fowler noted. Ordinary citizens need to understand how genetic alterations work and what their effects may mean.

Another key is access to venues for discussion. Public forums, interactive media reports and public surveys are among ways that people can communicate about the issue. Only when their conclusions are transmitted to lawmakers will public policy reflect common concerns, Fowler said.

"I think cat cloning brings these to the floor," he said. "This isn’t exactly a slippery slope, but this is technology that is being used by your neighbors."

To learn more, visit Fowler’s Web site, www.geneforum.org.

Reach Genetic Savings and Clone Inc. at www.savingsandclone.com.