|
The Rush issue aside, I have to take issue with the idea that being against Federal funding for ESC research is the same as being against all stem cell research. It simply isn't the same. Yes, most labs get some, if not most, of their funding from the government. However, private and/or state funding is available if you wish to do ESC research. There also are federal funds available for labs who choose to do research on the 60 existing stem cell lines. Also, perhaps I am mistaken here, but are you saying that a lab that decides to engage in stem cell research isn't eligible for funding for their other projects? If not, then the lab certainly would "survive", wouldn't it?
The simple fact here is that not everyone in this country wants to rush forward and start experimenting on human embryos. The issue here is our tax dollars and what we want the government to spend our tax dollars on. If ESC are so promising, then it really shouldn't be a problem to get states or private firms to invest in the research. This idea that you have to be on the Federal teat to make progress in a science field is simply bunk, IMHO. Look at the recent privately funded space flights as an example.
__________________
Rick
1984 911 coupe
|