I just received a press release from the Virginia Democratic Party, entitled "Republicans oppose embryonic stem cell research" and subtitled, "Would close the doors to cures for thousands suffering from painful, debilitating diseases." According to the press release:
Today, every member of the House Republican Caucus passed an amendment that would oppose using public research funds in pursuit of cures for life threatening diseases through embryonic stem cell research.Stem Cell research holds the potential for life-saving cures for millions of Americans including those suffering from Alzheimer's, Cancer, and Juvenile Diabetes. Last year, House Republicans passed a measure that would have banned embryonic stem cell research at Virginia's institutes of higher learning. The measure was removed in conference committee.
But heck, since life begins at conception (according to Doctors, Philosphers and Theologians Bob Marshall, Ken Cuccinelli, and Jay O'Brien), and since obviously a fertilized egg or a blastocyst is more important than a family member with Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Diabetes, cancer, paralysis, etc., the Republicans obviously have their priorities straight on this one. Yeah, right. Here's House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran on this issue:
The hope and opportunity that embryonic stem cell research provides should never be closed to thousands of Virginians suffering in silence. We all know someone who has been the victim of a life-threatening disease like Parkinson's or Cancer. Now we have a real chance to cure the incurable and it's morally wrong to close the door.
How about this for a suggestion: since Republicans claim to be the party that "trusts the people," why don't we put the issue of embryonic stem cell research to a referendum and see what happens. Oh wait, you mean Republicans DON'T trust the people after all? It's so confusing!