Posted on 08/05/2005 7:01:56 AM PDT by WoodstockCat
George Allen appeared on CNN’s “Inside Politics” yesterday. He discussed issues ranging from John Roberts to stem cells, to his own presidential ambitions. Allen gave the traditional non-answer when asked about 2008, but was more detailed on the question of expanded funding for embryonic stem cell research: What I'm looking to do is find a way that we can advance stem cell research in a way that it actually helps people. And of course adult stem cell research right now is finding cures and helping people. So far as the embryonic stem cell research, there are three filters that I'm using. One is the scientific advancement filter. The other is: What is appropriate for federal funding? The third is the ethical or the ethics controversy.
I think with some of the advancements in technology and science, there are ways of deriving stem cells, embryonic-type stem cells, that have all that flexibility and pluripotentiality without destroying an embryo. If we can do that, that's good for science. It's logical for funding. It also avoids the ethical controversy. And the fact of the matter is that the question is whether or not there should be federal funding. And it's not as if the federal government is the only one who can fund this. The state of California has put in $3 billion for such research, as have other states and the private sector. So maybe if we can find and craft a measure which gets embryonic stem cells without destroying an embryo, that is the plus-plus approach for advancements in the research in stem cells to help from everything from juvenile diabetes to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Eric Pfeiffer: Allen’s response sounds like the right one for someone who is a natural conservative but isn’t necessarily passionate about the stem cell issue. This apparently third approach, let the states handle it, fits in with Allen’s Jeffersonian approach to politics while allowing him to straddle the issue somewhat politically.
Allen stuff ping..
Allen ping
It actually sounds pretty sensible to me. Especially the one line where he states that other entitites other than FEDGOV can fund this. It would actually be a better response if he concluded by saying that stem cell research, as everything else - gay marriage, abortion, states rights - has a back seat to the number one priority facing us as a Nation - Islamic terrorism!
The more I hear about Allen, the more I like him..
A) Obvious political gain
B) Common sense regarding the promise of adult and placenta etc cell research
George Allen ping.
*ping*
Another danged blue-state liberal...
Thanks guys! Senator Allen has been giving this a lot of thought and that's good. He's swinging my way on this and that is good. I know a lot about this as I am a Roman Catholic, Senator Allen is not, but it sounds like Brownback and Santorum have been explaining it to him. Good!
I hope he wins in 06.. First thing first..
We in VA like him too. If the Virginia Constitution had allowed it (consecutive terms), he probably would've had more than one term. We are all excited about his chances in '08.
Good thing Brownback's running, it forces Allen to take this stand.
Good observation! That is true! Frist just hung himself!
Coop. You just like pulling Corin's chain, don't you?
What about his chances in 06 (winning reelection)?
Heh...I know what Coop is doing.
That was for my benefit. But it wasn't directed at ~me~.
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