www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Bush: First President to Federally Fund Embryonic Stem Cell Research

To all those who think Bush is pro-life, and he really respects the pro-life cause, what do you make of his support for embryonic stem cell research? I have had many tell me Bush is better, he does not support embryonic stem cell research - and yet the record, as the chair of the RNC points out, speaks differently. Bush 1) is the first to federally fund the use of embryos for stem cell research and 2) while he does not give unlimited funds, the way he funds it is exactly in connection to his desire to privatize (so stem cell funding is equivalent to all health care for him; it should be done, but just by private funds). Where's mr pro-life?

------

From http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6321456

Interview with the chair of the RNC

MR. RUSSERT: Ed Gillespie, do you think expanding embryonic stem cell research, and the federal role in it, is a sleeper issue that cuts across all party lines and could help John Kerry in this race?

MR. GILLESPIE: I think it's an issue where there is more misinformation than possibly any other issue in this campaign. The fact is, President Bush is the first president of the United States to ever federally fund embryonic stem-cell research. He did it within the parameters of the principles of a respect for a culture of life, which he believes in. The fact is that, also, there is stem-cell research, embryonic stem- cell research, continuing unabated in the private sector. There is no ban, as the Democrats would have people believe. Adult stem-cell research, which also holds out great promise, is a beneficiary of federal funds and goes on unabated in the private sector. So I think the more people know the truth about the president's policies, the better off we're going to be.

MR. RUSSERT: Is it an issue that's cutting against the president right now?

MR. GILLESPIE: I have not seen indications that it's an issue that's cutting against the president right now, because I think we are getting the facts out there and people understand he is the first president to ever federally fund embryonic stem-cell research.

Of course he is. He is using only those stems which are already set aside for that purpose. He refuses to kill any more babies to get anymore. This should be an ocassion to compliment the President. He is acting like Solomon in all his wisdom on this matter.

Dan L

Dan I would agree that this was a wise stand. But it's a stand from which there has been a wholesale retreat. Note the teaching moment was completely missed. Instead, the research was championed - including the non-federally funded work using live embryos! And Schwarzenegger - selected to campaign with Bush in Ohio - has publicallly endorsed the CA initiative to further fund work on live embryos. The stated principle: bio-tech business. This issue was calculated to be a loser and the pro-life side was spun right out of it.

All I know is that my head is starting to spin. I join Katie G in her anticipated joy when this is all over in 6 or 7 months.

Dan L