This is soooo stupid! This is not human life. These eggs are an offshoot of other activities and they are not ever going to be people. bt
There is nothing in this response that represents a cogent argument for the cessation of stem cell research. It's all emotion and assertion. Who cares what you personally 'prefer'? You say that this research gives you a funny feeling inside and that when this happens, it's usually a good indicator that you're right. Yes, indeed - that's a good basis upon which to form scientific policy. The fact that pattersb gets a funny feeling inside. And how did you get from 'preferring' that no stem cell research is carried out to claiming that it 'devalues all others humanity' (whatever this means, I am not sure)? Those in favour of stem cell research are trying to deify themselves? What a load of garbage.
Yes, well... those who seek to disrupt this research are the same ones who actually do believe that contraception is murder. Weird what faith can do to logic. But let's face it - most of those who have faith, the believers, often have no need to make logic, reason or proof a part of the analytical process. They make an inquiry, take directed guidance from above, and their course of action is clear. Just look at our resident troll. To tell the truth, as I have said many times, I sometimes envy those who have this kind of faith. What a peaceful feeling it must be to truly believe... But I wouldn't switch with them.
Well said, Trader Nik and BT - nothing to add there! This is the age old antagonism between Stone-Age religious "values," and scientific understanding and progress.
Hi Trader56, Agree. What I still can not comprehend how can so many people be so narrow minded at this day and age where practically any information is available at finger tips. redduke
Don't worry guys, money will turn them around. The first time a Chinese company becomes a huge commercial success due to stemcell research and a newly developed medicine, Republicans will change laws like CRAZY!!! Or American firms will go offshore just so they would not be left out from huge profitmaking.... Money rules the world, morals are secondary...Specially when those morals are missguided due to ignorance and stupidity...
Ok, I'll admit. I don't have much to add to this debate, (certainly no expertise in genetic engineering). All I can say is if recoiling at the thought of anything resembling manufacturing human life for our consumption makes one a regressive, right-wing, wingnut, I'll wear the label proudly. In fifty years when there is large scale manufacturing of embryos for such things as cosmetics and other important medical uses, you won't have the right to blame. 'SOLIANT GREEN IS PEOPLE ... IT'S PEOPLE' Enjoy your brave new world ... A desolate tropical island here I come!
Hi Red, Just my opinion here, but I used to wonder how people could react as they so often do - with a complete lack or reason, an active avoidance of the efort required to think, and beliefs that simply defy observed reality (i.e. religion). I finally came to the conclusion that it's simply where mankind is in it's evolution. While technologic sophistication has increased, and certainly the pace of life has increased, human capacity to adapt, deal with change and uncertainy, and reason has not. Couple that with all the legal, social, and religious influences that actively discourage any sort of independant thought or problem-solving skills - because after all, independant thinkers are very difficult to lead, rally, or control - and you have the state of human affairs that exists now, and has since before the dawn of recorded history. Maybe in another 100 million years, assumming humanity doesn't destroy itself first, the species will have evolved to a new point better able to deal with reality, and use more of human potential.
<img src=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/archive/stemcellanicia.jpg> I've been toggling through the radio dial today. I have to tell you, the fundamentalists and more than a few evangelicals are absolutely ecstatic that President Bush vetoed the bill today that would authorize federally funded stem cell research. Oh, yea, this is the "family values" President. But what about if, just a few years down the line a "family" member of any of you Bible-thumpers dies of a disease that robust embryonic stem cell research initiatives could have found a cure for? As her moans echo off the hospice walls, are you going to tell your grandmother, mother wife, sister, aunt, uncle or whomever hey, tough luck but my President voted against funding research into a possible cure for this because,after all, he is a Christian? For all you Bush supporters who think he is for family values, let me tell you about the photo on the left and the one on the right. On the left, that's an embryonic stem cell. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, which is an early stage embryo - approximately 4 to 5 days old in humans - consisting of 50-150 cells. And no it is not a child. It is a discarded blastocyst, a hollow microscopic ball left over from an in vitro fertilization attempt. Embryonic stem cells, by their fungability and flexibility to be grown into various forms, represnt the ideal material for stem cell research. According to Wikipedia (which, by the way, is a lot more scientifically well informed than the book you purport to live by, President Bush): "Medical researchers believe that stem cell research has the potential to change the face of human disease and alleviate suffering. A number of current treatments already exist, although the majority of them are not commonly used because they tend to be experimental and not very cost-effective. Medical researchers anticipate being able to use technologies derived from stem cell research to treat cancer, spinal cord injuries, and muscle damage, amongst a number of other diseases, impairments and conditions." Notice the word "cancer." On the right is Anicia. She was my love, and she died of cancer. She passed before the promise of stem cell research became apparent, but that's not the point. How many more will succumb to diseases and injuries that properly funded embryonic stem cell research could find a cure for? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-shaw/its-a-discarded-blastocy_b_25427.html