Playing God with Stem Cell Research
Just a few days ago the Republican Party added to their platform a very specific call to ban ALL embryonic stem cell research, even private funding. I don’t think the government should be in the business of funding science projects with taxpayer’s money, but it also shouldn’t stand in the way of private scientific investment. This is what we posted last April after all of the original candidates were asked for their positions on stem cell research.
Cow-human cross embryo lives three days
A few days ago the Herald Sun ran an article with the above title. Scientists at Newcastle University in England created living embryos by injecting human DNA into cow’s eggs. This is good news for those involved in stem cell research, a hopeful area of study that could potentially lead the way to better treatments for spinal cord injuries as well as for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s sufferers. Predictably, the Catholic Church and other religious organizations condemned the breakthrough as “monstrous”.
Stem cell research looks promising
But, I wouldn’t go so far as to say (like John Edwards did during the 2004 presidential campaign) that “people like Christopher Reeve are gonna get right up out of those chairs and walk!” The truth is that we don’t know what, if anything will ever come from stem cell research. However, scientists overwhelmingly point to it as a glimmer of hope for many of the world’s suffering and worthy of investment and resources. Opponents claim that stem cell research shows a lack of respect for life and we should not be “playing God”. Is it me or is there just something creepy about individuals who seem to have more reverence for embryos than for living, breathing people? Deny gays social equality and promote bomb-dropping on others who have the audacity to believe in the wrong God but, for God’s sake, don’t violate the sanctity of the Petri dish!
I don’t think like that. As a matter of fact, I’ve wanted to play God ever since watching Anthony Michael Hall and his nerdy sidekick “create” the perfect woman (Kelly LeBrock) with nothing but their computer and a few other household appliances in the 1985 hit movie “Weird Science
Eventually, we’re going to have to find some middle ground; each side is going to have to give a little. I have an idea. How about we only experiment on the gay embryos? Better?
Epilogue: Thankfully, candidates for political office are using this issue to influence voters in an attempt to ultimately influence policy at the national level. Michael J. Foxx made this video for Senator Claire McCaskill’s 2006 bid for office in Missouri.
About the Author: Randall H. Miller is an American college educator/blogger. He is also a former U.S. Army officer (82nd Airborne) with a M.A. in Diplomacy (focusing on International Terrorism) and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Use the form on the right to sign up and receive notifications of new content. The words and ideas expressed here are 100% his own and not those of his employers or affiliated organizations.
Political Disgust | Sep 1, 2008 | Reply
First off – great Weird Science reference. Way to pull in a great 80’s flick into a stem cell topic. I love it!
Next I don’t care if you believe that there is or is not a god. This should have nothing to do with it. If we CAN do research that will potentially help people then we SHOULD do it. Plain and simple, no lengthy discussions about this or that – it is simple – we ARE helping people. Why wouldn’t we not only do it, but also dive in full steam and 100%.
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Blog Disgusted at http://www.PoliticalDisgust.com
ps – no “Notify me of followup comments via e-mail” yet??
David Lamb | Sep 1, 2008 | Reply
If the party is serious about this that’s absurd. I’m not sure how I feel about the government funding stem cell research, but attempting to end it entirely–that’s murder.
And by the way, that’s a great headline.
Political Disgust | Sep 1, 2008 | Reply
Something is going to have to be done soon or we will fall further behind helping people who need it. Further generations behind and that is sad.
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Last Blog Post: “10 Reasons Why Neither Political Party Is For Me” at http://www.PoliticalDisgust.com
LaPaix | Sep 1, 2008 | Reply
I totally agree with your points about stem cell research (although I don’t think I agree that all government-funded science is bad). This part is particularly right on:
Is it me or is there just something creepy about individuals who seem to have more reverence for embryos than for living, breathing people? Deny gays social equality and promote bomb-dropping on others who have the audacity to believe in the wrong God but, for God’s sake, don’t violate the sanctity of the Petri dish!
And this made me laugh: How about we only experiment on the gay embryos? I hadn’t thought about that compromise option.
But seriously! Life is so sacred we can’t use embryos in any shape or form, but killing people in other countries is okay if it means we can control their oil? The death penalty is good? No saving the life of the mother if it means the end of the yet-to-be-born life? How do these positions make sense?