Terri Schiavo = A great reason for embryonic stem cell research.

[alcuno]

Speaking of political opportunism, wouldn't this be a great pivot for Dems to make? That we're happy to see Republicans concerned with the medical conditions that many of our citizens face and hope they back up their concern with a real push for expanded scientific research.

[Coastie for Truth]

1. Absolutely right -> e mailed Feinstein, Boxer, Lofgren

I absolutely agree that this be a great pivot for Dems to make. I am glad to see Republicans (like Frist, Coburn, and Walden - who loudly proclaim their MD degrees and their healing skills and knowledge) concerned with the medical conditions that many of our citizens face. I also hope they back up their concern with a real push for expanded scientific research, including stem cell research. But, I doubt that they will - they have taken the "hypocrite oath" not the Hippocratic Oath -- and they owe their political careers to the "Pro-Birth" (but "Anti-Life" fundies).

The self anointed "Pro-Lifers" (I call them "Pro Birthers") are killing thousands of Americans with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's Disease, diabetes, etc.

How are these "Holier Then Thou" "Pro Birthers" killing us? By erroneously conflating "stem cell research" with "abortion."

Factually incorrect.

Scientifically incorrect.

Theologically incorrect. Yes - THEOLOGICALLY INCORRECT - I am a "Person of Faith" - and my faith says that stem cell research is permissible. See, e.g.,

1. Stem Cell Research in Jewish Law By Rabbi Daniel Eisenberg, MD
2. Community Letter by Rabbi Ken Chasen and Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky
3. In a letter to President Bush, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America and the Rabbinical Council of America (not Reform but Orthodox) wrote

"Our Torah tradition places great value upon human life; we are taught in the opening chapters of Genesis that each human was created in G-d's very image. The potential to save and heal human lives is an integral part of valuing human life from the traditional Jewish perspective. Moreover, our rabbinic authorities inform us that an isolated fertilized egg does not enjoy the full status of person-hood and its attendant protections. Thus, if embryonic stem cell research can help us preserve and heal humans with greater success, and does not require or encourage the destruction of life in the process, it ought to be pursued."

I am a taxpaying, voting, property owning, non-druggie, person of faith, a veteran, a patriot, a DIABETIC -- and based on research conducted outside the United States a stem cell derived therapy could forestall a premature death ---why is my life less valuable then Terri Schiavo's.

I pray for Terri's family.

But I ask the Republicans to reconsider their "faith based" ban on stem cell research.

[WindRavenX]

2. it still wouldn't help her

You have to have at least some part of the organ intact for the idea of stem cells to "work"; in Terri's case, the cerebral cortex doesn't exist; although there are no doubt neural cells present in the cortex liquid (which may be able to transform stem cells to neural cells), it wouldn't help.

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Shhh

The freepers are so stupid they think her brain can be fixed. Don't tell them it's hopeless. Their stupidity can turn into a win for us on the stem cell issue.

Shhhhh

[alcuno]

4. No, not for Terri but for others.

It's not all about Terri.