Stem Cell Research

[AKIron]

What concern is it of yours how I spend my tax dollars Dowding? While I may have to haggle with others I disagree with on this, you aren't one of them.

[Lizking]

Not only that, Dowding, but please post how your country is financing SCR, please.

[Samiam]

Originally posted by AKIron
There are many Americans that pay taxes and are opposed to abortion as birth control and liken the research performed on these aborted fetuses as that done by the Nazis. Have these tax paying citizens no say in how their tax dollars are spent?

There are also many tax paying americans that are opposed to the invasion and "continued occupation" [their words, not mine] of Iraq. Have these tax paying citizens no say in how their tax dollars are spent?

Shouldn't government policy be established based on the mainstream of public sentiment and best interests of the people rather than on morality arguments from a vocal minority (be they right or left)?

[Lizking]

Well, samiam, the way it works in the US is that there is a vote, see, and everyone gets to vote, and then what all those voters decide is counted up and the nation is led by the people whom were voted for.

[AKIron]

Originally posted by Samiam
There are also many tax paying americans that are opposed to the invasion and "continued occupation" [their words, not mine] of Iraq. Have these tax paying citizens no say in how their tax dollars are spent?

Shouldn't government policy be established based on the mainstream of public sentiment and best interests of the people rather than on morality arguments from a vocal minority (be they right or left)?

Sure they do. They can vote John Kerry, he'll pull out and do nothing, much like Clinton did for 8 years.

[NUKE]

Originally posted by midnight Target
Should be ON Topic during a discussion of the life and death of Chris Reeve. It was his cause and his life's work over the last 9 years.

Is this thread about stem cell research?

[Eagler]

what is the difference between embryonic stem cells and those found in umbilical cord blood ?

the latter is usually disposed of as medical waste

too bad skerry already politicized Reeves passing by bringing this subject up today .. came as no surprise though...

[Samiam]

Originally posted by Lizking
Well, samiam, the way it works in the US is that there is a vote, see, and everyone gets to vote, and then what all those voters decide is counted up and the nation is led by the people whom were voted for.

No need for a civics lesson, Lizking. (The people vote for whoever they believe is the best overall candidate, sometimes in spite of the fact that there may be one or two issues where they don't agree with the candidate).

I was just pointing out that the argument against govt. funding stem cell research being that "some taxpayers are opposed to it" doesn't hold water.

[Lizking]

At this point, it is not "some" it is "most", and it IS being funded, for the first time, ever, by the Federal Government".  Quit drinking the coolaid, and get some facts.

[myelo]

Originally posted by Eagler
what is the difference between embryonic stem cells and those found in umbilical cord blood ?

Umbilical cord stem cells are primarily blood stem cells. Although they have the potential to turn into many types of cells, it’s “easiest” for them to turn into blood cells. That’s why they are commonly used to replace the blood cells after chemotherapy that destroys the bone marrow.

Embryonic stem cells are in general more versatile because their natural fate is to form all of the types of cells.

[DREDIOCK]

Originally posted by AKIron
Sure they do. They can vote John Kerry, he'll pull out and do nothing, much like Clinton did for 8 years.

He didnt pull out. He tucked tail and Ran

[midnight Target]

The NIH funds the NCI (National Cancer Institute) to the tune of 1.7 billion dollars/year. http://plan.cancer.gov/budget.html

Stem cell research is new technology, so saying this is the first President to fund it at all is like FDR taking credit for Television.

Opposition to the research is based on religion. What about the millions of frozen embryos in suspended animation today? They will either be destroyed or they could be used for research. I sure don't see a hue and cry by the right to outlaw the destruction of these embryos. Kinda hypocritical... no?

[Lizking]

They can be used for research tomorrow, but not with Federal funds.

edit- and by the way, SCR has been going on for at least 100 years, arguably 200 years, with minor success since the 1950's, so don't give me that crap.  Clinton could have funded it, and should have, at the very least.

[midnight Target]

And federal funds are needed to make something happen.

[Lizking]

That is where we disagree, Mt.  If the smell of a therapy was in the research, private companies would pour billions into it.