The founder of Draft Wesley Clark has now formed new group, called StemPAC, whose goal is to fight for therapeutic stem cell research. Such research, which has been strongly endorsed by none other than Nancy Reagan, offers the possibility of cures for diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease Parkinsons, and Alzheimers. Sadly, despite the incredible potential of stem cell research, let alone the overwhelming support of Americans, right-wing Republicans in Congress so far have been fighting tooth and nail to protect 5-day-old "blastocysts" (a collection of about 60 cells) instead of actual, living children and adults. By the way, the blastocysts would be thrown out anyway if they weren't used for research purposes. These right-wing Republicans sure have their priorities straight, huh?
Luckily, there are people out there fighting. StemPAC, for instance, has the following to say on the subject:
For nearly five years, the promise of stem-cell research has been held hostage by ignorance and ideology. Hope for our loved ones has been delayed, and suffering has been needlessly prolonged, because of the power of a small group of political extremists.It's time to fight back. It's time to take a stand against irrational federal and state laws that hinder stem-cell research. And it's time to go on the offense against the politicians who support such laws.
If you agree with the goal of using stem cells extracted from blastocysts to find cures for diabetes, Alzheimers and cancer, then go to StemPAC's website right away. There, you can sign up for news updates, tell a friend about the PAC, send a letter to Congress, and urge people like Jerry Kilgore's buddies Eric Cantor and George Allen to stop protecting blastocysts and blocking cures for terrible diseases in children and adults. Instead, urge them to support the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, now pending in the House of Representatives. Thank you.