Misc. Ramblings

All tools can be used for good or ill. It is the human being holding the tool that decides how it is used.

Such is the case with science. According to this CNN article, President Bush is unhappy that Congress would expand public funding for embryonic stem cell research.

In 2001, the President decreed that federal funding for research on human embryonic stem cells be limited to cell lines already in existence. However, scientists have noted that many of the existing stem cell lines were contaminated and thus, unusable.

Conversely, many conservatives equate stem cell research with abortion and are therefore categorically opposed to it. While there have been notable exceptions, such as former First Lady Nancy Reagan, many conservatives still have strong concerns.

In this instance, the President is threatening to veto any legislation that expands stem cell research. The question before Congress is whether to expand our knowledge through science or let other countries lead the way while we metaphorically stick our heads in the sand and hope the whole subject will just go away.

Have a Great Weekend, Everyone - Aloha!