Agreed, which is why I tried to frame the discussion in more realistic conditions (e.g., tracking genetic markers for sociopathic behaviors).  I thought the intent was NOT to keep it in fictional universe terms. The problem with fictional scenarios is that they really have no limitations apart from what we can imagine. So it's hard to have an intelligent discussion without clear boundaries, since you can always think up increasingly outlandish scenarios that would cut the legs out from underneath the discussion.

If I'm a mutant and have, say six fingers on one hand, I should have to register because some mutants have the ability to blow up like a nuke?

A member of one subset of humanity (white Americans) blew up a government building in Oklahoma City, killing many people. Following this logic, all white Americans (being members of the same subset of humanity as one who has proved himself dangerous and taken many lives) should register and allow their activities to be tracked and monitored at all times to ensure that they do not blow up any government buildings. Because, to follow Shaxper's logic, it is inevitable that one day, a white American will have a bad day and attempt to kill someone. But registration of all white Americans, should keep the US safe. Shouldn't it?

I'm torn on this subject, because I'm a big believer in smaller government and letting people do what they will as long as they are not harming or infringing on the rights of others. Just because someone is born a mutant doesn't automatically make them dangerous, as their mutation could be the ability to read really fast or have delicious honey seep from their pores, or they could have an ability that is a potential WMD but they do not use it in that way.

However, from a "needs of the many vs. needs of the few", the fact that someone with the ability to kill with nothing more than a touch or a look is just walking around is a scary thought, particularly if that individual were mentally unstable or under the control of someone (another mutant with mind control abilities). While it sounds draconian, it would be in the public's best interest to have the government know where these individuals are, what their abilities are, etc. A blood sample is drawn from all babies at birth (at least in the US) and the mutant gene could be checked for at that time, allowing the government to follow up with that individual later in life to see if they have even developed powers, and if so, are their abilities more Magneto or Doug Ramsey.

In response to the point made by foxley about registering white Americans due to the terrorist act in Oklahoma City, the difference is that those individuals were not able to blow up that building on their own. They needed a truck and materials in order to accomplish their goal, which is much different than a mutant being able to blow up the house of their cheating ex-girlfriend by pointing at it or to pull the iron out of their boss's blood when asked to work on a Saturday because they had plans to go out of town.

In closing, I'm glad we don't actually have to deal with this in the real world, because each side has a valid argument.

Actually, Slam, we do. Every American has a social security number... that's registration. You have to give it when you do pretty much anything regarding money in this country. Jack Reacher not withstanding, every person leaves a trail that makes them not that difficult to find if they're not actively hiding. Is what we're talking about so different?

Many have their fingerprints on file some voluntarily through things like CORI checks and applications for gun licenses, some not so voluntarily when the end up in the criminal justice system).

People with a high chance to commit a sexual crime are monitored. People with homicidal tendencies that we know about are monitored.

Can a previously normal, well adjusted person kill someone in a fit of rage? Sure. That doesn't mean we shouldn't take steps to prevent bad stuff from happening ever.. that's the argument the gun lobby uses... people break the law all the time, so why have one?

Regardless of your not so humble opinions, your social security number is used for alot more than social security. It's used for your credit, any sort of government benefits, taxes, etc. You don't have to like it, but it exists.

I'm pretty sure people under psychiatric care are monitored... that's my impression from talking to the psychiatrists I sell books to, anyway.

And we're not talking about punishing people, we're talking about allowing the government to know they exist and what their capabilities are. Can just knowledge be abused? Of course... but so can anything... of you go that route,and don't take any precaution that could potential be abused, then what you really want is complete anarchy.

Getting back to our original question, so you're ok monitoring mutants AFTER that lose control and kill people, just not before?

This is one of those eternal questions of safety vs. freedom... I'm generally pretty far on the freedom scale in real life, but this particular hypothetical definitely sends me the other direction... the Marvel Universe as it's shown these days is a far too dangerous place otherwise, IMO.

I agree with any real-life group. MUTANTS, on the other and, have the potential to, on purpose or by accident, literally destroy an entire country.. there's a big difference there.... that's why the analogy breaks down a bit.