Denying America Hope
Posted by on July 19, 2006 at 11:47 AM
The stem cell debate is the difference between sound science and hardcore ideology. Yesterday Governor Dean said,
"If the President vetoes this bill, he will once again be ignoring sound science and denying hope to millions of Americans and their families."
Millions of Americans, Republicans and Democrats alike, who overwhelmingly support expanding federal funding for this research. From Reuters:
Debi Martin is a Christian, a Republican and opposes abortion but she is ready to vote against the party in November if President George W. Bush and congressional Republicans limit stem cell research.
"This is a vote breaker for me," said the Cincinnati mother. "I tell people I'm becoming a Republi-crat at this point -- because there are just things wrong in the Republican Party where people's voices are not being heard anymore."
The passage on Tuesday of a Senate bill to fund embryonic stem cell research -- and a presidential veto expected on Wednesday killing the legislation -- hits very close to home for Martin. Her 9-year-old daughter, Jessi, has diabetes and they both hope stem cell research can some day find a cure.
Martin also feels strongly about the use of embryonic stem cells for research because Jessi was conceived by in vitro fertilization -- and Martin and her husband decided years ago to discard nine unused embryos because she could not have another child.
"I would give anything if I could have had those nine cells to give to have a cure for my baby now," she said. "And I think the worst sin of all, and I am a very religious person, I am pro-life, is to look a miracle from God in the face and throw it away."
Over at DailyKos, science blogger DarkSyde explains why embryonic stem cell (ESC), and not only adult stem cell (ASC) research is critical to finding these cures:
Stem Cell research offers the promise of regrowing damaged spinal cords and for that matter, almost any other diseased tissue. Maybe even entire organs, specifically tailored for the patient, could be produced with applications that flow from stem cell research. The long term possibilities are dazzling; new limbs for amputees; new hearts or livers to replace those destroyed by disease; new retinas or even whole new eyes for the blind; brand new skin, scar-free, for burn victims. The potential breakthroughs dwarf any advance in medicine since the development of general surgery or antibiotics.
We do not know if these dream treatments will become a reality. What's critical to understand is that to develop any of them, we need government funded research into both ASC and ESC. Scientific discovery and innovation is serendipitous. We need to learn how to develop and program stem cells and to do that, a whole array of physiological questions must be answered about how to turn them on and off to become specific tissues and avoid rejection. ASC and ESC research provides that insight, the two work hand in hand. And the end product in many cases will almost certainly rely on research done on both types.
And if you had any question that the President's expected veto is anything but another way to cater to an ultra-conservative minority:
ESC lines come from material stored at fertility clinics which is already slated for destruction. Preventing these blastocysts from being used for research won't 'save' them. It simply means they'll be disposed of in a medical waste facility instead of being used to find cures for disease. The only reason to restrict federal approval of new lines is to appeal to a minority of extremist social conservatives and it comes at the cost of possibly delaying or denying treatment--and in some cases life itself--to millions of people.
Just a reminder, this is the roll call from the Senate, where you can find out how your Senator voted.
Comments - 6 »
Comments - 6 «
I am a "soft" republican, in that i typically favor republican positions regarding social and fiscal policy. However, i am just a short step to the right of the "middle".
President's Bush's veto action today, to bolster federal spending on embryonic cell research, is an abysmal display of power & judgment.
His decision smacks right in the face of science & THE PEOPLE'S elected officials. (not to mention the majority consensus of the american public via myriad polls)
The U.S. Sentate overwhelmingly(!) (by a 63-37 vote) voted to continue and/or increase federal spending of embryonic cell research.
Numerous luminary scientists concur on the need to further research embryonic cells as a potential cure for many "God-made" afflictions.
Bush's veto essentially tells the political savvy amongst us that he is giving assurances to the so-called "christian right" that he and true, sensible republican candidates still want their vote.
Gag.
Posted by ddintreehugginwashington on July 19, 2006 at 03:18 PM
Well you all know how this president is ,if its not his way it just won't happen. Hell just give him a few beers and he'll agree to anything. Bush thinks he's god not president, he's a disgrace to all Americans. If you offer to put a couple mill in his pocket all will be well.
HE IS A DISGRACE
Fred Said That !!!!!
www.fredwilkes.blogspot.com
come see me
Posted by dogbroke on July 19, 2006 at 04:59 PM
I can still remember quite clearly the Reagan Administration position on stem cell research. When in a position to further research, they chose not to, on moral/ethical grounds. Currently, the process by which those who are against this research come to this conclusion is not an easy one nor is it an honest one. The process has to give the cell a name (life), and has to focus on life being manipulated by scientists. It has to speculate on what could happen and it has to give that single cell more importance than a living human being who is suffering a debilitating illness.
When Ronald Reagan contacted Alzheimer's, Nancy's moral position deteriorated. Overwhelmed by something common to all of us. HOPE!
Yes, hope. Hope for her husband she loves, hope for all the voices she didn't hear before. Bush, like the Reagans has presumed that those who wish this research to proceed (even though they are the majority of the American people) have abandoned their morals and values, and that we are indeed fortunate to have him to protect us inspite of ourselves. It is ironic, that this legislation has prompted as large volume of prayers as any other issue.... for it's passage, for it not to be vetoed,... but vetoed it was and, of all things, on religious grounds. Love, Hope, Change, not to be considered.
Posted by DeDeaux on July 19, 2006 at 05:49 PM
Don't be misled by the DNC. Bush did not outlaw stem cell research, he simple won't provide fed $$ for embroynic research, which if it was so promissing would be flooded with private vc money. Clearly, this was a political veto to stoke the base, but one with little impact, which is why it was done. Naturally, the other side will mislead us that Bush is against curing cancer, paralysis, etc. Wait for Reeves, Micheal J. Fox, etc. exploitations.....
Posted by formercalifornian on July 19, 2006 at 05:53 PM
"Don't be misled by the DNC."
yikes, it's the other way around.
"Bush did not outlaw stem cell research"
no brainer, he doesn't have the votes.
"if it was so promissing would be flooded with private vc money"
and bush would allow those folks tax breaks? sure, and national bird is a seagull.
"Naturally, the other side will mislead us that Bush is against curing cancer, paralysis, etc."
if it involves experimental science and isn't within his "faith based" brain frame, no he won't.
"Wait for Reeves, Micheal J. Fox, etc. exploitations....."
reeves is deceased. fox can speak for himself. you spoke for bush.
Posted by america1st on July 19, 2006 at 11:29 PM
Don't be fooled by the regressive trolls!
King George chose to throw the embryos in a trash can.
Posted by pee-wee on July 25, 2006 at 08:28 PM
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