Posted on 03/09/2009 10:45:29 PM PDT by Reagan 2.0
Michael Harris, the NY Government Examiner, makes an emotional appeal in support of stem cell research, following President Obama's decision to end President Bush's ban on using taxpayer funds for such research. As many such appeals do, it relies on personal experience and emotion over a reasoned discussion of the proper role of the federal government.
I have early-onsent generalized dystonia, a severe neurological disorder and have used a wheelchair since I was nine years old. Stem cell research is considered one of the best chances of finding new and better treatments for dystonia and ultimately developing a cure.
At the time, I was the National Disability Caucus Chair for the College Democrats of America and it was just about a week after the veto, when then House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi met privately with the College Democrats of America's national leadership. After she finished her brief speech, I raised my hand and Pelosi called on me. I remember telling her who I was and how disheartened and upset I was by the president's veto. As I started to ask her how we could get that funding and research, I began to cry. I didn't know why and I said out loud, "I've been politically active for six years and I've never cried before over a political issue."
As she stepped forward and embraced me, Pelosi said, "That's because it's not just politics, it's personal."
I'm mildly embarrassed to say that other than electing Democrats, I don't remember much of her answer, but it didn't matter. I saw the issue of stem cell research in a whole new light. In that moment, I saw it as more than a political one, but a personal one and it's an understanding that I've carried with me ever since...
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
How’s that $3 bil California came up with to fund it’s own in-state “stem cell initiative” coming along these days? They sure showed that nasty ol’ W., though.
This isn’t about “emotion” or “logic.” It’s about MONEY. MONEY, MONEY, MONEY.
Absolutely! There is money to be made and they want it.
Obama’s friends are gleefully anticipating big returns on their investments in embryonic stem cell research.
Obama tells his fellow Americans, “You need a thneed.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.