Frist launches backing for embryonic stem cell research program. Finally!

[tenguzero]

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...h_stemcells_dc

This new, public stance on the part of Frist could be a major boost to the embryonic stem cell program. I've always felt they should be able to utilize as many embryonic cells as they can get their hands on, so this is awesome news for me. I just hope they are able to overcome any potential veto from Mr. "I'm here because of god" and his misguided views on the whole thing. Numerous countries around the world are leaping forward in their research into the potential of stem cells, and there's no reason we shouldn't be leaping forward as well.

[YogsVR4]

Let private institutions do their research, but the government shouldn't be bucking up dollar one.

[AlmostStock]

Originally Posted by YogsVR4

Let private institutions do their research, but the government shouldn't be bucking up dollar one.

Why not? When cures are found it will actually save the government $$$ in the future because they won't have to keep paying out for people that are still sick.

[Sticky]

As long as they don't start cloning i think it's great. The concept of cloning is kinda cool, but it's still really fucked up IMO.

[YogsVR4]

Originally Posted by AlmostStock

Why not? When cures are found it will actually save the government $$$ in the future because they won't have to keep paying out for people that are still sick.

Sure they will - it'll be a different disease is all.

[Muscletang]

I have no problem with stem cell research. I think there are many good things that could come from it. The thing I don't get is it has been stated that the embilical cord is just as good as an aborted fetus.

So instead of trying to fight over this thing why not try different ways? If people don't want to use aborted fetuses, don't fight over it. If people do their research and an embilical cord will work just as well, great! Then both parties could be happy and could agree on the same terms.

[carrrnuttt]

I actually agree with Yogs for once - let the companies that stand to profit from the research do the investing.

Also, stem cell research is stem cell research. It can be had from umbilical cords, and placenta. It's when embryos get used, combined with religious fervor, that the issue gets heated.

[Muscletang]

Originally Posted by carrrnuttt

Also, stem cell research is stem cell research. It can be had from umbilical cords, and placenta. It's when embryos get used, combined with religious fervor, that the issue gets heated.

Why do it then? I can either do two things for research, I can use A or B. A doesn't piss anybody off, maybe a few but most of the population can live with it. If I go with B though I get the same results as A but I also piss off a big part of the population.

[T4 Primera]

Keep an eye on that Frist dude...he's intended for bigger things.

I've nothing to say on this apart from I really enjoyed the episode of South Park when Cartman was trying to offload those aborted fetuses (feti?).

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by T4 Primera

Keep an eye on that Frist dude...he's intended for bigger things.
.

Agreed.


As far as the stem cell research, it can be a great technology and help many people, but opens the door for massive abuse down the road.

[tenguzero]

Well, it's being said Frist has his eye on a potential candidacy run in 2008. I think, if McCain were to run as well, just the two of them alone would make for an interesting Republican race, never mind any other candidates. I should hope Democrats have/will have some powerhouse opposition in the works as well, because (if a situation like the one I postulated above WERE to occur) someone like Hillary Clinton may just get eaten alive in a bid for the presidency. It would be nice to finally see what a female president is capable of, though.