When former Redskins quarterback Heath Shuler managed to bump off incumbent congressman Charles Taylor in November, there was much rejoicing here in western North Carolina. Many Democrats kept their hopes modest, however, as Shuler got elected campaigning on "mountain values," a not so subtle code phrase for the Christian fundamentalism that pervades the Blue Ridge Mountains. We didn't have to wait long for those fears to be realized.
Yesterday, Shuler voted against a bill to lift the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Fifteen other Democrats did the same. Why?
"I want to do it without destroying an embryo. We are continuing to see exceptional advancements in stem cell research that does not endanger human embryos, especially from amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood," Shuler said. (Asheville Citizen-Times, Jan. 12)
Great. One study hints at some degree of promise turning back the molecular clock on a few cells, and Shuler's already touting the tired and discredited notion that there are better alternatives to embryonic stem cells.
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Yet they permit the creation of extra embryos for implantation. If they're not used for research, they're going to be dumped down a drain.
Well said.
It's great to keep finding such excellent blogging talent in WNC. Have you checked out BlogAsheville? I would love to see you on the blogroll over there.
The WNC bloggers will soon gather again, this time in downtown Asheville, to swap stories and expand the network. Fire me an email, and I'll get you on the blogroll and let you know what's up with getting together.
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It's even sadder when he quotes a study where the (lead) author himself states that this method is not superior (and is inferior to, IIRC) embryonic stem cells. Someone I read over the last few days had a direct qoute from the author where he says that he wants research on embryonic stem cells, anticipating the anti-science crowds reaction.
Every time a research study discovers a novel method of harvesting a new type of stem cell someone wants to close the door on embryonic stem cells.
Instead, we should continue to research ALL types, embryonic stem cells and others. We cannot close the door on any one type.
Science moves along by allowing certain hypotheses and theories to die through comprehensive and detailed research.
We have not even began to scratch the surface on embryonic stem cells.