Unecessary and cruel radiation experiments on squirrel monkeys

There are obvious flaws to this research: 1) High doses of radiation are not the same as low levels of radiation. 2) Squirrel monkeys are not the same as humans. 3) The dangers of radiation are not a secret. And, of course, the fact that animals will suffer needlessly.

More Radiation for Space Monkeys ANIMAL WELFARE Stephanie Feldstein 29 Jan 2010 It’s not the first time monkeys have been exposed to radiation. So many studies have documented the painful and disturbing effects of exposure, that there’s no reason for further animal research. But NASA doesn’t see it that way.

The Humane Society of the United States reported earlier this week that NASA is standing by its $1.75 million research budget to expose male squirrel monkeys to high doses of radiation. The space program claims they need to know how humans in space might react to long-term exposure to low levels of radiation.

And, of course, the fact that animals will suffer needlessly. The double standard of animal researchers has always amazed me — if you’re expecting that the results of your tests will translate to humans, then you better believe the pain is comparable, too.

NASA needs to stop wasting taxpayer dollars and start showing some compassion if they want to stay relevant in the 21st Century.

More Radiation for Space Monkeys

January 30, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Religion and ethics, USA

3 Comments »

Yeah, let’s get mad about monkeys…how much time do you spend on human suffering? Yeah, I know, those that care about monkeys care about humans.

Comment by notesofasexiststayathomefather | January 30, 2010 | Reply
- Oh dear. We do get some silly comments.
  So caring about monkeys proves that we don’t care about humans?
  Logic, hey?
  
  Comment by Christina MacPherson | January 31, 2010 | Reply
  - The protection and concern for human suffering is the point. Of course the experiments can be seen as ‘cruel’, so are most of the experiments done to stop the spread of disease or alleviate human suffering. Animal rights’ activists don’t worry about the lives or human costs that matter, they get all angry about animal suffering.
    
    Animals, unfortunately, suffer. Humans should not be cruel or sadistic, but sometimes experiments are necessary to eradicate, eliminate, or mitigate disease. Google ‘Penn & Teller’s Bullsh*t PETA’ to see about diabetes cures came from experiments performed on animals. You talk about logic, but you made emotional statements not based on logic in your little judgmental screed. “…the fact that animals will suffer needlessly.” “NASA needs to stop wasting taxpayer dollars and start showing some compassion…”
    
    What makes you the arbiter on what is cruel?
    
    That is why, rather than appeal to your logical side, which did not seem to be in the forefront of your argument, it seemed more rational to just make fun of you.
    
    Comment by notesofasexiststayathomefather | January 31, 2010

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