Letter to Minnesota Governor (Congress Misbehaves Over Baby DNA Privacy)

Dear Governor,

Taking in the gravity of the position of Governor, it is unfortunate today that a lonely citizen of Minnesota such as I has to be the one to inform you that the state's congress is misbehaving regarding a simple bill, however that does seem to be the case. I have (as well as my new-found friends at the CCHC)

1) Contacted my legislators by email and phone with no response.
2) Visited the capitol several times on "hearings" regarding HF 1341/SF 1478, and have tried to testify on it personally only to be stonewalled by democrats.

I would expect this issue to reach the ears of the Governor if the media was not so inarticulate in matters that might actually concern the people of the great state of Minnesota. Therefore, as a last resort, I must ask for a reprieve from the Governor in this usurpation of The People's rights.

There is a concern among many constituents in Minnesota over the data privacy of the new born infants. Many of us understand as a matter of fact baby DNA is not state DNA. This is of course true, and the law requires that the HHS DNA database of 820,000 be destroyed. This is not even a dispute between differing ideologies, but a matter of law. I no longer expect my legislators to understand the concerns of state control over baby DNA, however there should be a bare minimum that our legislators understand those concerns do exist.

It is understandable that there are those who want to advance science and to use infants as a vehicle to prove their dedication to such endeavors. Given that the HHS is in violation of the law, and is currently ignoring the law (and there is no evidence to support any other conclusion), the precedent being set here is not one of reasonable men and women. Essentially, supporting HF 1341 and its counterpart SF 1478 is affirming that science trumps reason. This is doubly troubling to those who have taken a brief look at some of the darker chapters of the history humanity concerning genetic research.

Again, at the bare minimum there is an understanding among many who are aware of the issue that baby DNA is not state DNA. They will grow distrustful of their doctors, and possibly even the medical profession. I implore my legislators to vote against HF 1341 and SF 1478, because I believe unabashedly that all ideologies understand the necessity of the patient/client relationship that is currently in jeopardy. That sacred relationship should not be infringed upon by legislators. We all share the same wonders towards what lies ahead, but lets put our best feet forward.

Governor Pawlenty, I beg you to use the media to explain the issue fully to Minnesotans, and to articulate why it must be vetoed if found in the final form of legislation. If the bill is passed with HF 1341 or SF 1478, then as a republican and a big 'A' American, as a final recourse I must have the constitution to abide by my patriotic duty as a private citizen to help maintain the Republic in which we both reside. I must lend my support and vote for someone who will stand with We The People on this issue, and will retain the peoples' rights with We The People.

Sincerely,
Jordan Jelinek