Science is back.
As promised, President Obama today signed a bill lifting George Bush’s religion-based restrictions on stem cell research. The move heralds a return to free, open, unfettered scientific inquiry.
In a very heated and ongoing debate, religious ideologues argue that it is immoral to use/destroy embryonic stem cells — “human life” — for scientific research. Scientists have argued that stem cell research — typically using cells already destined for destruction — can lead to breakthroughs and cures for many diseases and injuries.
According to the AP report, President Obama “said he came down on the side of the majority of Americans who support increased federal funding for the research, both because strict oversight would prevent problems and because of the great and lifesaving potential it holds.”
To those who object to stem cell research, whatever your reasons, I say: That’s fine; don’t participate. No one is forcing you to. Don’t do such research, don’t contribute cells, don’t partake of any cures or discoveries resulting from such research. It’s easy for you to adhere to your beliefs in this way. In this, as in so many other matters, you have always been free to follow your religious beliefs. You have never been free, however, to impose those beliefs on others. Nor was President Bush.
Oh I don’t know … that picture makes stem cells look kinda gross! Are you sure that picture is not just someone’s booger? Maybe stem cell research should be illegal because it’s just so eeeEEEWWW!
Nice try at placating the zealots. If only they could just avert their attention*. They have the luxury of some very simple truths. How nice for them! It’s all so black and white. I’m no atheist, but I don’t see how science can do anything but completely unravel the DNA. For better or worse. Just as when we split the atom. Does science tell us that which God does NOT want us to know? Jeez I hope not!
*Sort of like God does when THEY sin.
The photo is one of those micron photography things they do these days. I’ll admit its not real pretty. You were expecting sequins and flashing lights?
As for the zealots … well, I think we’re supposed to use our brains.
“To those who object to stem cell research, whatever your reasons, I say: That’s fine; don’t participate.”
Can I not pay for it too, with my tax dollars? People who support stem cell research should pay it; people who do not support it shouldn’t be forced to pay for it. I am against the government paying for such research. If I get a tax deduction for this, I pledge to not reap its benefits.
Sure, that’s only fair. You shouldn’t have to pay for it. And I shouldn’t have to pay for faith-based initiatives. Kinda reminds me of back when my employers used to insist we all donate to the United Fund and I’d object because I didn’t want to support ALL those groups; if I had to donate, I wanted it to go just to one or two certain organizations. I didn’t get very far with that, either. 🙁