Denver Post Editoral - Make Stem Cells A priority.

[DanCa]

Article Launched: 11/07/2005 01:00:00 AM

Editorial
Make stem cells a priority
THE DENVER POST


Congress has put off action on several critical issues this year,
including, to our disappointment, embryonic stem- cell research. The
House of Representatives last spring approved legislation to loosen
restrictions on federal funding for such research. And we hoped the
Senate would do the same, but with only six weeks left in the
congressional year, the issue has been shoved into early 2006.
It's important that Congress not dodge its responsibility to act on
a matter which could lead to cures for deadly diseases. Given that
2006 is an election year, we don't want to see it lost in a blitz of
grandstanding.

The legislation would authorize funding for research on excess human
embryos that otherwise would be destroyed in fertility clinics. It's
an emotional issue for opponents, some of whom believe the
legislation authorizes the taking of human life in order to save it.
President Bush has threatened to wield his veto pen if Congress
approves it, but we hope it won't come to that.

Stem-cell studies could lead to treatments for such diseases as
Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes and various cancers. Among the
prominent proponents are former first lady Nancy Reagan, California
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
Wisconsin Gov. James Doyle vetoed an anti-cloning bill last week,
correctly seeing it as a smoke screen that could harm stem-cell
research.

The danger in delaying action on the Senate measure is that the
search for cures could be impeded. "Every day that federal support
for stem-cell research is delayed is one more day that people with
chronic diseases have to wait for potential cures," said Denver
congresswoman Diana DeGette, the bill's prime House
sponsor. "Majority Leader Frist understands this and, I trust, will
bring up my bill for an up-or-down vote as soon as possible."
We urge Congress to act quickly to pass the measure next year.

[...of J.Temperance]

1. I've voted for this article and thread

People should kick the thread.

[BOSSHOG]

2. Anyone who opposes stem cell research

should spend a month living in the Alzheimer's Wing of a nursing home.

[DanCa]

3. Or in my wheel chair during the winter months.

I hate parkinson's damn it.