Texas Drivers Asked For Saliva, Blood Samples At Roadblock – Author A.W. Daniels, Issues Statement

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Dec. 11, 2013 - PRLog -- A recent article presented on the USNews on NBC News.com website dated November 19th stated that drivers in Fort Worth TX encountered a roadblock were asked by federal contractors for saliva and blood samples in exhange for money.  According to the article, the drivers encountered a road block and were directed into a parking lot where they were asked for various types of samples. The National Traffic Safety Administration stated that participation was completely voluntary and anonymous. According to the article, some drivers did not get that impression.

"The headline," Daniels stated, "could have been 'Genetic profiling - coming to your neighborhood soon'. If this is for real, which I have little doubt to the contrary, the ramifications are immense. First, the intrusive nature of the DNA harvesting seems to have little to do with Reasonable Cause. A random, or not so random roadblock, to gather samples of the general population's DNA is a gross infringement on the individual's right of search and seizure. Though oral swab and blood tests can be used to determine alcohol and drug ingestion both of these tests will also contain one’s DNA. One could argue the purpose of these roadblocks is for benign information only but that doesn’t remove the highly intrusive nature of the gathering process on a public thoroughfare, again, without reasonable cause.  The privacy of one's DNA profile must be protected."

Those future benefits and challenges of genetic engineering, as well as the social implications, are subjects addressed in a pair of novels by Daniels, the first entitled "Genetically Privileged", and the second, now in release, entitled 'Genetically Conflicted'.

In the storyline of 'Genetically Privileged', nature disappoints a young couple's aspirations of parenthood. They turn to a series of fertility experts and finally an old friend. Their friend, as it turns out, has been modifying the human genome for a government project and the couple becomes entangled in a web of deceit. ‘Genetically Privileged’ is a socially relevant read, addressing the advancements of technology and science as Daniels speculates on the social impact of those developments.

In ‘Genetically Conflicted’, the seemingly idyllic world of the genetically engineered students from ‘Genetically Privileged’ is shattered as they are confronted by a foe bent on destroying not only their lifestyle but also those responsible for their very existence. The students learn quickly that theirs is not the only reality on this planet as they find themselves in a fight for survival against an enemy that insist upon unconditional compliance in return for their lives. These demands become increasingly complex as the students find their adversaries to be from the same family tree as their own. The students are still as charming as they were in the first edition; they’ve just learned to become more lethal.

‘Genetically Privileged’ has received numerous favorable reviews. Recently Midwest Book Review stated, "Genetically Privileged is an insightful spin of science fiction exploring genetic engineering, recommended." Kirkus Review stated, "Daniels skillfully develops a sense of threat. An inventive, intriguing novel. Animated plot and thoughtful questions posed about genetic manipulation.”

A.W. Daniels is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at aw.daniels@yahoo.com. Both books are available at Amazon, Smashwords and CreateSpace. More information is available at Daniels' website at http://www.AWDaniels.net.

About A. W. Daniels:

‘Genetically Privileged’ and 'Genetically Conflicted' are the first two offerings in a series of works by A. W. Daniels. The author's ability to craft compelling stories has been honed by extensive travel and observation of the human nature. This allows Mr. Daniels to weave a tapestry that colorfully, and sometimes bluntly, exposes the good and evil humankind inflicts on each other daily.