The stem cell spin

Steve Narbutis — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 20:55:59 GMT

It is an absolute necessity to go forward on nuclear transfer for the purpose of defeating disease. If the US doesn't go forward, we will be traveling to and at the mercy of other countries eventually anyway.

The stem cell spin

Nana Rose.... — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 20:57:16 GMT

I pray we are one step closer in helping the "living" who are suffering with debilitating health problems. My hat is off to Michael J. Fox.

The stem cell spin

Brenda Woods, Ashland Missouri — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:17:18 GMT

I have a child with cystic fibrosis. All people who have incurable health problems need this research to happen. I live in Missouri and support stem cell research. We have lost one child in our family at the age of 17 to CF.

The stem cell spin

Donald Hiatt, St. Louis, MO — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:18:45 GMT

I live in Missouri and have lost family and close friends to diseases that need a cure. I firmly believe that many cures are within the stem cell research. I fully back this measure and applaud Mr. Fox for lending his support to this cause.

The stem cell spin

Angel Cruz — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:21:51 GMT

The evidence of the need for these technologies surpasses any moral arguments against it. Resistance to develop this in the U.S. will simply result in an eventual import of Genetic Technology from other countries or in Medical Tourism from U.S. patients to Europe and China.

The stem cell spin

Walt Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:28:10 GMT

According to the regressive religious right extremist Hypocrites every life is sacred. I assume this applies to Saddam, Serial Rapist Murderers, the White House Killer-in-Chief War Criminal and his enablers and all other God's creatures. So, stop slaughtering animals for food, stop using animals for medical research and stop shooting innocent animals for sport and pleasure. http://www.meat.org Whether America advances stem cell medical research or not, it will not matter. Already dozens of the top stem cell researchers have migrated to other more progressive and less hypocritical countries to advance this research. Mission Accomplished has managed to hinder scientific and medical advances and outsourced America's top scientists to other countries. Religious extremists cannot stop progress forever. If stem cell medical research and abortion are considered murder, what is dropping bombs on innocent civilians called. Where are the religious fanatics on this and on the massacres occurring in Darfur? Religious extremists Evanfanatics only use these issues to achieve power and wealth. If they were truly religious, they would live more like the Amish and act more like Mother Teresa. They would not be developing megachurches, pitching books, DVDs. tapes, etc.; creating TV and Radio stations, junk colleges and all the other commercialization of their religions. That is not what is written in the bible. These religious extremists are all Frauds who exploit the ignorant to amass wealth and power. You can do a search to see the huge amounts of money the ignorant deluded masses give to these Frauds each year.

The stem cell spin

Jerry, Denver, Co. — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:28:51 GMT

What is to stop the "Crack Mother" from creating human embryo's for the sole purpose of selling them off for embryonic stem cell research every 90 days to finance her addiction?

The stem cell spin

Alan Boyle — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:35:20 GMT

Jerry, the language of the amendment rules that out on two counts... First, an embryo from the womb would be surely out of bounds. (Sec. 38d/2/(2)) Second, even if the woman were to donate egg cells for stem cell research, the amendment would forbid payment. (Sec. 38d/2/(4))

The stem cell spin

Tammy Mentzer, Topeka, KS — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:40:20 GMT

My 37 year old daughter, diagnosed at 13 months with Type 1, juvenile-diabetes (which is a misnomer because once diagnosed, you have it for life) has had over 30,000 injections of insulin and hundreds of thousands of finger sticks to check blood sugars, I have literally saved her life many times from a low blood sugar, she has been hospitalized numerous times with a high blood sugar and the longterm side affects are blindness, amputation of limbs and kidney failure to name a few. The day of her diagnosis was a life-changing defining moment for her, as well as the entire family. It is a devastating disease. You cannot ignore it for one moment. We must give our brightest and best researchers and scientists the necessary federal funding to do the research to find these cures. It is through research that EVERY medical advance, vaccine, life-saving medication and procedure has been found. We cannot allow the U.S. to stick their head in the sand while other countries forge ahead with this research and find cures unless we want to brush up on our foreign languages skills so we can go beg them for the cures they will surely find.

The stem cell spin

David D'Angelo, Daytona, Florida — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:43:13 GMT

There is a clear difference between adult stem cell research (which has shown a lot of progress and does not destroy an embryo) and embryonic stem cell research (which has miracle cures that are, so far, entirely speculative, and requires a life to end). We should focus more on the avenue that has already yielded results and distance ourselves from immorally destroying life for the sake of imaginary miracle cures, in my humble opinion.

The stem cell spin

gary; newark, calif. — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:53:52 GMT

the next thing you know the religious right will outlaw condoms. they are america's answer to the taliban. lord save me from this irrational bible-thumping.

The stem cell spin

Jaime Garcia, Salt Lake City — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:56:07 GMT

If the U.S. does not go forward with science to save lives, rest assured that other countries are working on embryonic stem cell research day and night. I refuse to accept the will of Fundamentalist Christians, the Catholic Church, and other groups that believe that life must end at conception. Kudos for Michael Fox and the Democrats.

The stem cell spin

Helny, Michigan — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:58:16 GMT

It is my understanding that the embryos used would be thrown away as unwanted by people using invitro-fertilization. I would think the people who reject the idea of stem cell research should take another look at where these embryos are coming from.

The stem cell spin

Lori Popejoy, Seattle, Wash — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 21:59:02 GMT

There is no doubt that biological life begins at conception, but human life? There is a bit of zygote activity that tends to negate the concept of the human soul entering into the picture at conception. I live with progressive MS, and, unfortunately, there has not been a treatment yet that has slowed the devastation of this disease as it marches through my neurological circuitry. I am a human life as are countless other human beings who are denied the benefits of stem-cell treatment based on a value system that certainly does not appear to be supported by the majority of Americans.

The stem cell spin

marilyn hook — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:00:18 GMT

I see nothing wrong with Stem cell Research...I don't believe you should take a life, or do cloning..That would be going against what I believe in....I truly believe that all the people that can make use of stem cell deserve the chance.

The stem cell spin

Chuck Weber, Wichita, KS — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:01:07 GMT

The real victims of Amendment 2 are those parents who think this might somehow help their children. According to Dr. Ron Sherley, Harvard grad and head of stem cell research at M.I.T., "pigs will grow wings and fly" before embryonic stem cell research produces any cures. If you drill a little deeper, you will find that the real motivation for Amendment 2 is MONEY, as in millions upon millions in taxpayer funds. Why, if embryonic stem cell research is so "hopeful," don't private companies invest in this type of research like they have in adult stem cell therapies and research?

The stem cell spin

Ilbert Phillips, Culver City, California — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:02:26 GMT

We have achieved tremendous success with research using adult stem cells, but have failed miserably with embryonic cells. In addition, much that is being promised with embryonic has no proof to support that promise. In November 2004, Princeton University president and geneticist Shirley Tilghman said, "Some of the public pronouncements in the field of stem-cell research come close to overpromising at best and delusional fantasizing at worst." Similarly, fertility expert and current president of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Lord Winston has warned of a public backlash against stem cell research if it fails to deliver on some of the "hype" surrounding potential treatments. If there is such promise in stem cell research, it seems to me that private money would fund the research. The fact that private money is not there, we have the hucksters playing on the emotions of those who suffer or the relatives of those who suffer from horrible diseases pushing for the miracle with public money (i.e. other people's money, our money, the taxpayers' money). I am a two time cancer survivor and would love a new drug that cures cancer, but in the meantime, I attempt to make sure my family is taken care of and if I have to die, that's up to God.

The stem cell spin

Laura, St. Louis, MO — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:06:15 GMT

This is such a critical issue that the opposition is twisting around to try to get it voted down. Here are a few things to ponder:

1. women have been 'compensated' for eggs for in vitro for many, many years. No one has ever criticized that!

2. there are many cases that cells need to be duplicated (or if you want to use the word, 'cloned') so that the signal will be strong enough to give you a positive or negative. It goes on every day in labs across the country.

3. is a frozen embryo really a 'life' when it is frozen and has no chance of becoming a 'life' unless implanted in a uterus? Furthermore, wouldn't it be a good thing if that tissue that may be frozen until the end of time, be used to save lives?

4. the negative ad where Kurt Warner talks about the $ CA has spent and that it could be up to 15 yrs before there is a cure....that one just kills me. I am a scientist, you don't wave a magic wand and have a cure. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to cure anything. If we had the attitude that it takes too long, we would probably all have died from diseases we were vaccinated against already.

The potential of stem cells is so great. If you have ever known someone with an illness that takes away their quality of life, how could you not want science to give that quality of life back to them?

The stem cell spin

Tammy, Topeka, KS — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:06:30 GMT

David - embryonic stem cells are only "speculative" (if the are at all) because we haven't allowed researchers to do the research yet! The adult stem cells most certainly have not shown progress. The embryonic cells are pluripotent, more versatile to become any type of organ cell whereas adult stem cells can only be directed to one particular organ and then they are not as flexible. These embryonic stem cells are being discarded. They can be used to save lives and improve the quality of life for those with devasting chronic diseases and spinal cord injuries. Who could be against that?

The stem cell spin

Mary Rose, Sugar Land, Texas — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:07:40 GMT

I am a heart patient. My daughter is a severe diabetic. My MIL has Parkinson's, my Aunt has Alzheimers...IT IS TIME FOR PETE's SAKE!~!

The stem cell spin

John Raho, Westport, Connecticut — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:11:47 GMT

The initative will only restrict "Federally Funded Embryonic Stem Cell Research". Why don't I read that? I know it's hard for you liberals, but try to be intellectually honest. And for the record, the Michael J. Fox political ad never said, "embryonic" only "stem cell", again, a key point and dishonest.

The stem cell spin

Tom, Kansas City — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:15:35 GMT

The Missouri Amendment is a terribly misleading piece of legislation. Missouri should have the courage to let the voters know what it is they are voting for and against. The defintion of cloning has always been clear. The writers of this legislation try to re-define the term within the amendment so they can say they are not advocating cloning. Those advocating this and stem cell research use fear and wishful thinking to try and get support for their cause. They know of the many medical treatments currently available using adult stem cells and that the research on infant stem cells has gone nowhere. Is it possible that the reason the use of infant stem cells has gone nowhere is because it is wrong and we shouldn't be doing it?

The stem cell spin

Ron Cichy, Califonia — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:19:46 GMT

If all the peole protesting stem cell research had a parent, son, daughter, husband or wife with a disease and they could be saved or were given a chance to have a better life, maybe they could see it a different way. I don't have anyone in my family with a serious problem, but I do have a open mind to such research. If we could find a cure for parkinson, alzheimers, polio, etc, why not give it a chance with stem cell research. I don't belive in cloning a human or other animals, lets just use it for curing dieases. We spend bilions in other countries to kill and protect freedom, but we don't want to save lives in our own country or in the world. What is wrong with our politicians and the human race - by not passing such a bill for stem cell research, is it going to hurt them if we do find a cure?

The stem cell spin

Josh Fitzsimmons, Saint Louis Missouri — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:20:48 GMT

The big issue here is definitely the understanding of how cloning works, and where these miracle cures are going to come from. Embryonic stem cell research is definitely the most promising, yet it is linked to the other great debate, abortion. How early in the embryo's stage of development is it considered a 'human life'- and when is it too late in development to terminate it, without crying murder? If history has taught us anything, it is that one must not turn away something new through ignorance. Change that can cure incureable diseases will come eventually, and we need to embrace it now to ensure our nation's future. I live in Missouri and support Amendment 2 in every way.

The stem cell spin

Tammy, Topeka, KS — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:21:19 GMT

John, yes we know the initiative restricts federally funded ESCR. That's what we want! And Michael J. Fox has said the word "embryo" as many times as Bush has said "stay the course".

The stem cell spin

Robert, Saint Louis MO — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:30:54 GMT

Stem cell research is the key to lifesaving cures of the future. We have a separation of church and state in this country. I can not even believe that religious morality is even discussed in this debate. It has no bearing. Religious decisions are made inside church walls and have no bearing for discussion in politics or law. Embyonic stem cells are not conception but even if you believe they are - it is a religious belief and should not be imposed on others that do not believe the same. Laws should NEVER take into account religious beliefs.

The stem cell spin

John Ames — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:35:07 GMT

My son has ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) - a fatal neurodegenerative disease. I know a large number of patients and their families. We have hope. We want life. My son has traveled to South America for therapies and my family is acquainted with the research in the US as well as world wide. My wife is the co-director of an NIH research center. Embryonic stem cell research is endorsed by the AMA and the American Academy of Science. In order that their be proper oversight of the research the NIH should be involved. Can we keep hope alive? Aren't we all for life? I beg for your compassion. Don't ridicule my son.

The stem cell spin

John Raho, Westport, Connecticut — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:36:45 GMT

Excuse me Tammy, but MJF did not say "embryonic stem cell" in his original political ad. Please do not propagate misinformation. After he had an 8 plus minute forum on the Katie show, CNN and others he then may have distinguished between the two. You can lead a liberal to the truth, but you can't make him think.

The stem cell spin

Scott Fisher, Woodbury, New York — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:40:52 GMT

Unfettered and unencumbered scientific research has repeatedly generated unforeseen economic and humanitarian benefits for over the past one hundred years. Efforts to impede stem cell research will not only delay potential breakthrough medical discoveries but will also deny our country the unexpected and often extremely prodevelopment benefits that pure research often generate. To those who wish to restrict research in this likely productive area causing much of the money and research to be carried out outside the United States, the high value jobs and attendant opportunities to create whole new industries may well be irrevocably lost for our children and our grandchildren. If we as a nation are to stay at the forefront of cutting edge technologies and create knowledge based employment opportunites, backward thinking on stem cell research is hardly the way for our great country to move forward.

The stem cell spin

Henry Jones, Sneads, Fl. — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:42:04 GMT

There is a monumental need for a scientific teach-in of stem cell literature which has been available beginning around 25 yrs ago. The nation should be made aware of bone marrow implant literature, that this country has been in the Stem Cell business privately for years, that the only object of national stem cell research with all known stem cell lines is to shorten the research time with mega money that only the U.S. Government possesses and would pay mega dividends compared to bridges built to nowhere and that the wishes of evangelicals could best be reached by casting away their cloak of dissing and ignorance and enjoin a national push to use this God-given knowledge quickly.

The stem cell spin

Steve Parks, Kansas City — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:44:01 GMT

This is in response to the question "why don't private companies invest in this research?". I am the founder of a private company that has invested 4 years of research into building the worlds first commercially available high-performance computing environment to provide the needed resources to further advances in life sciences research. We have combined public organizations such as Universities as well as private research companies to help build this environment. We want to help every scientist out there find answers to every question they have. And every piece of this is funded privately...not publicly. My father is suffering from Diabetes and my wife from Interstitial Cystitis...so I have a very personal stake in this too. Don't worry though everyone...help is on the way.

The stem cell spin

Steven Glaser, Greenwood, MO — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:53:20 GMT

I am all for the freedom to do stem cell research, which is exactly why I don't support this amendment. Currently anyone can do any type of stem cell research in Missouri, but if this passes there will be a state board set up that will have to approve people to do the research. I think it is wrong to have to have a license to do research and this amendment will surely take away freedom from those wanting to do research. Another big problem is that it makes it impossible to limit the state funding that goes toward stem cell research. If, in a few years we decide to put more money into education and less into stem cell research, we won't be able to do it. The money that goes to stem cells will never come back. The major thing this amendment will change is Missouri's tax law.

The stem cell spin

Jeremy — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:58:17 GMT

Laura, for being a scientist I question something you said: "3. is a frozen embryo really a 'life' when it is frozen and has no chance of becoming a 'life' unless implanted in a uterus? Furthermore, wouldn't it be a good thing if that tissue that may be frozen until the end of time, be used to save lives?" There is much doubt, with regards to stem-cell supporters as well as those against it, whether frozen "dead" embryos would even produce a healthy cell. This is just one of the many problems that people don't realize when they just look at the surface of the issue. There is no point is bringing up everyones dislike for the President. It just shows the lack of understanding on behalf of the poster, because they understand enough about this subject, so why not bash Bush.

The stem cell spin

Amanda Gagin, St Louis, MO — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 22:58:46 GMT

Folks, as a biomedical researcher, my heart goes out to all of you that are ill or have relatives and friends that are ill. Yes, we all want advanced cures for disease, and many of us work at this daily. But do you really know that stem cell research will results in a cure for Parkinson's, Diabetes, and other diseases? Many of you seem to believe this because Michael J. Fox, who is an actor, said so. Please realize that this measure is much to do about federal funding and satisfying scientific ego, and likewise a great deal to do about the moral character of a society. I believe that if you believe abortion is acceptable, then I fully understand why you also believe embrionic stem cell research is acceptable. Please try to respect the beliefs of those that differ in your opinion. God Bless.

The stem cell spin

Tom, Syracuse, NY — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:20:10 GMT

If "God" has a plan for everyone and everything, He himself gave us the power to give into the thought of stem cell research. I for one think it's not destroying a life, stem cells are in a vegetable state, they have no thought, heartbeat or a soul.

The stem cell spin

Cameron Woolley, Sierra Vista, AZ — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:23:36 GMT

The discussion is very simple. The right thing to do is go forward with the research. Is it immoral in some aspects? That question depends on whether or not we allow it to become misused. The medical world made a huge leap with the ability to use cadavers for understanding the human body. This was once an illegal act and seen as immoral as well. The fact remains, it saved lives. This technology would save more than it would cost, and I thing that given time and research, we could get the materials needed without cost to human life at all. Tough call...but people will die without it. That we know for certain.

The stem cell spin

Tom,Tucson,AZ — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:28:16 GMT

Shame on you all. This type of science should not be researched. Listen to god !!! Shame on you all !

The stem cell spin

Jason Hun — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:30:10 GMT

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13441389/ --MSNBC itself just reported on a new study in Washington that shows embryonic stem cells regrowing NEW NERVE FIBERS TO MUSCLES (the previous studies I talked about in Newsweek in Cali at UCIrvine repaired nerve cells within the spinal cord) to allow rats to walk/move again --thus, embryonic stem cells not only repair damaged nerve cells within spinal cord injuries, but can also grow new nerve fibers to muscle tissue (which will help limb injuries as well as spinal cord injuries)

This just goes to show u that those who say embryonic stem cells has shown no evidence of success ARE TOTALLY IGNORANT & spreading false lies that they keep repeating over & over again ("if u hear it often enough, a lie becomes a truth")

The stem cell spin

Carl Strohmeyer, Grants Pass, Oregon — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:30:34 GMT

The Fox ad failed to mention that the only promising advances have come from adult stem cell research. His commercial was purely about backing a liberal candidate, which is his right, but he should state that.

I personally back adult and would even possibly back some embryonic stem cell research if it showed promise, but it does not. Even though I am a Christian, I do not follow step always with my evangelical brethren on these moral issues, I tend to find most evangelicals all about image and not substance, and I can say this from experience; I have three special needs children and our Evangelical Church turned its back on us in our family’s darkest hour. One has Autism and was kicked out of our Evangelical Church Nursery, who knows, maybe stem cell research can help him. My daughter was “harmed” by a person during a nervous breakdown my wife had after multiple difficulties and diagnosis with our children.

Anyway, I went a little off subject there, but was to make a point that not all conservatives or even Christians follow lock step with James Dobson or others, but I do know leftist hypocrisy when I see it (and believe me, I can also spot Conservative hypocrisy too, but not here!).

The stem cell spin

Greg Waite, Pennsylvania — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:37:17 GMT

I'm so glad you all seem to be willing to give up someone elses life to save your own. Like it or not the fact remains when a fetus is aborted or a ferlized egg is not allowed to mature you are ending a life. Don't tell someone else they must give up their life so you can live, that's their choice. I feel badly for all those who suffer these horrific illnesses but killing someone else to save their life is no answer. And just as an aside there is no credible evidence that stem cell research can even produce the miracles cures everyone is looking for.

The stem cell spin

Gandolf — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:55:19 GMT

Uh, Chcky Weber Maybe private companies dont do the research because to do so would be in violation of the law. They cant get the raw matter necessary except from a few limited existing cell lines w/o going to jail. You may not to understand this Catch 22, and others may pretend not to, but unfortunately that's the state of the law.

The stem cell spin

Tammy, Topeka, KS — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 23:58:01 GMT

John - in your previous comment you didn't say anything about Michael J. Fox's "original" political ad - you only said "political ad".

The stem cell spin

Alan Boyle — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:05:27 GMT

Actually, Gandolf, there's no law against conducting experiments using stem cell lines other than the "presidential" lines. You just can't use federal money to do it.

The stem cell spin

Larry Sexton — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:22:02 GMT

Are those who oppose this scientific research saying they will choose not to take advantage of any medical benefits from this research? I wonder if their ancestors were the religious right that created grave robbers by forbidding the study of the human body 200 years ago.

The stem cell spin

Danielle Bailey Pikeville, Kentucky — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:24:33 GMT

I am an eighteen year old who hasn't had the chance to vote yet, I am just getting interested in politcs and what is really going on in our country, and I am very saddened. I can't believe that our elections are coming down to issues such as stem cell research and gay marriage. Shouldn't we be more focused on what is really going on like the war in Iraq, social security, or medical care for the elderly? I am not saying Stem Cell Research isn't an important issue, because it is. I just don't think it should run our elections. I also want to say that I fully approve of stem cell research,because of where the embryo comes from, why not study it to see if we can somehow help the living who are suffering? I am so outraged at our country and many people who posted comments about liberals and conservatives, who really cares what political party you are? Why can't we just come together as one country instead of the divided two Democrats and Republicans?

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ac — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:46:16 GMT

If you don't have it. Someone will.

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A biomedical Ph.D. — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:58:59 GMT

To Greg Waite: You are wrong about there being a lack of evidence for the therapeutic potential of embryonic stem cells. For a short introduction to some of the evidence:

http://stemcells.nih.gov/research/scilit/highlights/

Also, the Missouri law points out that embryonic stem cells can be derived without a sperm-egg fusion (the point of conception where naive people believe life begins). Thus, no one is advocating murder/killing of humans. These are merely cells in a petri dish with the potential to save lives. Science is proof without certainty, Faith is certainty without proof.

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jerry rubin — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:59:51 GMT

It seems amusing to me, since I am from Wisconsin, that Stem Cell Research started at the University of Wisconsin under Tommy Thomson a Republican Govenor. Like President Kennedy who had vision to go to the moon, we need leadership for progressive ideas, like stem cell research, sustainable energy efficiency. These issues will help our job market for the next generation. Remember, while talking on your cell phone, that would not have existed if JFK was not progressive and forward thinking. We are now living in the Middle Ages in America, with Hope to an Enlightenment on the horizon.

The stem cell spin

Steve G.Granite City IL — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 01:08:08 GMT

To those who have eyes and ears who and open hearts. Let us side with LIFE! We should not sacrifice our unborn for the sake of medical research. If this is where our country is ultimately headed, we are surely headed ourselves down a path of destruction. Nothing will ever be accomplished by sacrificing the little ones, embryoes as they are. Because we oursleves were once embryoes. If we return to a respect for the dignity of every human life no matter how small then I think we will truly find real cures and solutions to our problems. But nothing in this world will EVER be accomplished for the good of society until we protect our unborn. I think if people are truly honest with themselves they will agree that we should stop all this nonsense with all this experimentation with the unborn. And if we return to a country that repects life at every level. Then the door will be open for God to Truly Bless America and what blessing He will bestow upon us if we honor Him through honoring His Little Ones.

The stem cell spin

G Salzer — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 01:12:24 GMT

The Stower's in Kansas City have dedicated their fortune (made from their mutual fund company) to basic medical research, including stem cell research. Their endowment has grown to over $1 billion. Since 2000, they have spent over $300 million on their facilities, and a 600,000 sq ft ($350+ million of private funds) expansion is on hold pending amendment 2. Rather than pass the money to their children, the Stower's are seeking medical cures to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc., so their money will go to all of our children via better health/less disease.

The stem cell spin

Alex Hagen, Lamar, MO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 01:14:29 GMT

This debate is really just an extension of our decades-old 'abortion' debate.

There are those of us who believe that human life begins at conception, when the egg is fertilized, whether biomedically or naturally.

Others believe that there is no true 'life' occuring in the fetus until the organs are more fully developed. (i.e. the brain, consciousness, motor-skills)

And yet others believe it is not life until the baby is delivered vaginally or otherwise into this world.

None of these three groups can scientifically prove their beliefs. And that is perhaps the biggest dilemma to resolving these issues.

If life begins at conception (which is what I believe) then we will be commercially creating human beings for the express purpose of harvesting and terminating them.
If this is acceptable, then nothing is unacceptable!

Cancer runs in my family like a purge. Also heart-disease, and diabetes. But I truly believe that the breakthroughs needed in these research areas can be found WITHOUT embryonic stem cell reasearch.

Even if they can't, I will not kill Peter and Paul, to save Mary.

If I err, I will err on the side of caution.

The stem cell spin

Joni — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 01:25:49 GMT

Whatever happened to the right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And whatever happened to including our unborn at whatever stage they are at.

We all need to stand up and have real courage to fight this fight. This is a real war being waged.

Whatever happened to the Moral Guts of this country.

Have we all retreated as cowards. It's too easy to turn our heads the other way and ignore the real truth about what's going on. It takes real heroism to stand up for what is truly right in life. Where are those who are willing to do so. We all need to stop listening to lies. Embryonic Stem Cell Research is just such a lie and in the end when all is said and done, the Truth shall be made known to all.

The stem cell spin

Nancy, Missouri — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:07:12 GMT

I hope that everyone who is against stem cell research never has the need for any cure that is developed thru s.c.r. And, furthermore, i would hope they would have the ethics NOT to use the product of stem cell research if they should need it. My father was at one time a research patient for rheumatoid arthritis. He died of leukemia 35 years later, but not after he was willing to take part in cancer research. My daughter is a PhD candidate in virology at a large midwestern university. I thank God for those who have the courage to perform and participate in research. I must ask whether I have the right to deny cure or the potential for the development for cure ?

The stem cell spin

A biomedical Ph.D. — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:12:15 GMT

To Alex Hagen: The terms "life" and "human life" are not interchangeable. Obviously no one has a problem killing bacterial "life" Also, the potential for human life is not equivalent to human life. Otherwise DNA itself would be sacred. No one has a problem with DNA-based technology such as paternity screens. The real goal of this legislation is to help people see the complexity of the issue so they can let go of the closed-minded idea that "life begins at fertilization." Rather, life is a continuous self-renewing process: this is an undeniable fact. Life doesn't "begin" in the moment that DNA penetrates the cell membrane. The most scientifically supported theory is that it began millions of years ago in the primordial oceans as a series of self-perpetuating chemical reactions.

The stem cell spin

Cheryl Redmond Doyle, Littleton, CO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:15:18 GMT

Research at Stanford has shown that embryonic stem cells has "cured" deafness in mice by replacing the hair cells that transmit the sound impulses into signals to the brain. They want to go forward with human tests. As to type 1 diabetes, embryonic stem cells have shown promise. Google my nephew Jeremy Heit and Dr. Seung Kim at Stanford University. They state that in the short amount of time they have been working with embryos, they have accomplished much. Embryonic stem cell research today is what adult stem cell research was 20 years ago. We did not get to the moon overnight. It takes money, tests on mice and FDA approval before going forward on humans.

The stem cell spin

Cheryl Redmond Doyle, Littleton, CO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:18:26 GMT

I would like to see those who oppose embyonic stem cell research to oppose in-vitro fertilization, that create excess embryos that are destroyed. A small percentage of these "snow babies" have been adopted. How about adopting a child already born that has been disposed of by parents who shouldn't have had the child anyway...county social service departments lack the necessary foster and adoptive parents.

The stem cell spin

Amanda Gagin — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:21:29 GMT

Jason Hun, we have a saying in the research business that I'm in, based on thousands upon thousands of examples: If mice were the same as humans, all diseases would be cured. What business are you in? Think about it!

The stem cell spin

Mark Luebbers Percy IL — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:26:24 GMT

Human life begins at conception! Its very simple.

If you don't believe that, then may GOD have pity on you! Christians should pray for people who think that life doesn't start till after a certain amount of time.Thats a joke! They are so lost....

I say no to any type of abortion and any type of embryonic stem cell research.
Some things are wrong and always will be no matter how you sugar coat it or call it different things to trick people or make them think it's not killing!

There should be no debates, No discussions,period

Case closed! A baby is a baby when that cell divides the first time! It's so simple!

And yes I do hope some cures start to happen. I am quite disappointed that not much has been actually cured in what seems like a long time but if you start saying it's OK to kill embryos to do it, God will not bless America and I wouldn't blame him!

Remember, an Embryo is a human life. Yes I believe the soul enters then! If you kill embryos you are a murderer, whether it's in the name of science, research, whatever coating you want to apply it with!

The stem cell spin

James , St. Louis, Mo — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:27:18 GMT

The biggest gamble that mankind has ever seen is close to becoming reality. Putting your beliefs, faith, hope into something that has never been proven or successful seems pretty idiotic to me. There has never been any positive outcomes from embryonic stem cells. Every time mankind messes with mother nature we are shown how insignificant we really are!!!

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Beverly B. Nuckols, MD Texas — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:28:44 GMT

Last week, we learned about liver tissue the size of pennies and lung cells that produce surfactant -- both derived from umbilical cord blood cells. In fact, all of the supposed results from embryonic stem cells so far have already been achieved in human non-embryonic cells, including partially repairing spinal cords, treating retinal disease and repairing corneas, treating - with long term, possibly permanent results - some types of Multiple Sclerosis, diabetes and ALS. There have been apparent complete remissions in Rheumatoid Arthritis and scleroderma. The bigger problem if Amendment 2 passes will be overcoming the patents that Wisconsin University has and obtaining enough eggs from women. The patent licensing rules and fees are the real stumbling block. After, all the eggs can be - and are being, according to the British Journal of Medical Ethics - bought and sold in developing countries. But the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation is controlling who gets which cells and what they do with them, while charging for the privilege. Even the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is spending its money in other countries that don't honor our patent laws. None of the hassles will be worthwhile, as James Thomson said, SCNT produces a human embryo if human eggs and somatic cells are used. And none of them will be implanted. On the other hand, umbilical cord cells can be turned into embryonic like cells that are proving easier to control.

The stem cell spin

Stephanie, San Francisco, CA — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:29:24 GMT

Stem cell research in any form is a medical marvel and should be allowed to blossom into something that could save millions of lives around the world. Adult stem cells are great, sure, but they do not hold the potential for embryonic. An embryo is in a dish and that's all it is. A little blob of cells in a dish, not a human. You stick that into a woman and then it's a baby, until then it's just cells. Twenty years ago those cells would have been thrown away by In vitro fertilization clinics around the US, now they can serve another purpose. Just because religion is ruling this country, it doesn't rule the rest of the world. Another country will come up on us and do what we couldn't, and who will be complaining?

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Jose P. Samilin, Kansas City , Missouri — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 03:04:41 GMT

I have not seen a miracle, but I read many, and many of those who will vote for embryonic stem cell research other than who wants much money are those who has many time other than for most precious time to sincerely understand the effect and ramification of the issue. Irrespective of men's desire, God will produce a miracle to resolve the issue, even beyond the grasp of many.

The stem cell spin

Tammy, Topeka, KS — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 03:13:55 GMT

There are some things worse than death. Living with Type 1 diabetes (multiple injections of insulin a day for the rest of your life, 8-10 finger sticks to check blood sugars a day, low blood sugars, high blood sugars both which can be fatal within minutes for lows and days for highs, losing limbs to amputations, going blind, kidney failure) is one of them.

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Joan — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 03:17:07 GMT

Why do the posters keep saying that embryos used as stem cells will be killed? Obviously the stem cells won't help anyone if they are DEAD. Instead of the fertilized eggs being discarded (killed), they will remain alive in another form.

The stem cell spin

Tammy, Topeka, KS — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 03:22:14 GMT

They're not being killed - they are being DISCARDED - as thrown in the trash. Wasted inotherwords when they could be used to SAVE lives.

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Alex Hagen, Lamar, MO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 03:50:26 GMT

To: A biomedical Ph.D.

I agree with you very much. That life is a continuous and self-renewing process, I believe, is self-evident; and truly never ceases to amaze me.

I agree with you right up to "the most scientifically supported theory."

Much too often in these last decades has 'the most scientifically supported theory' been presented to the American public, the courts, and indeed to the entire world as "fact".

As a Ph.D. I'm sure you have due respect for evidentiary fact; documented, undeniable scientific fact.

The truth is that our brightest scientific minds, the world over, cannot 'prove' when human life begins. At best they can give the matter intelligent speculation. But it's still just speculation; it's 'the most supported scientific theory'.

This must stop now, I believe, before we can proceed on many different issues.

If you are right, and I am wrong, well then we've just disposed of a large amount of scientifically useful cells.

If I am right, and you are wrong, then we've murdered 100 million babies under law (since Roe vs. Wade).

These are people, who had the constitutional right to live taken from them.

Again I urge caution.

We must, as a nation, strive for factual evidence in all matters. Theory doesn't serve every purpose.

The stem cell spin

Cheryl Redmond Doyle, Littleton, CO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 03:51:57 GMT

Tammy from Topeka...I totally agree. I was volunteering to raise funds for a local diabetes charity and actually had an adult chastize a 10 year old boy about his disease telling him that his "mommy and daddy were responsible for his diabetes by feeding him the wrong foods"...unreal. Shows how little people know about Type 1 diabetes. My 11 year old was diagnosed when she was 8 years old and we were in the process of losing her dad to melanoma cancer. (he died two months after her diagnosis). There is no family history of the disease in either my or my husband's family. Researchers are discovering that our environment (pollutants, chemicals in food, etc) are triggering immune systems to search and destroy the pancreatic beta cells. We will be keeping track of the elections across the country and those who voted down HR810 and the subsequent override. Many parents would give their lives for a cure. Author James Hirsch (who has a child with Type 1 as does he) summarized my feelings exactly when he wrote, "If you don't have diabetes, the glass is half-full. If you have diabetes, the glass is half empty. But if your child has it, the damn thing is empty." Progress in diabetes care is appreciated but anything less than a cure is unacceptable to us parents of children with diabetes.

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Cindy Zimmerman, Jefferson City, MO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 03:54:41 GMT

Everyone knows, is related to, or is someone who has a disease or condition that currently has no cure.

The problem with Amendment 2 is the fact that it will alter some 45 provisions in the Missouri constitution to give the biotech industry rights that no other industry has that would be extremely difficult to change. This is not necessary.

The fact is that Adult Stem cell research - including umbilical cord blood, is already showing great promise, without the ethical and moral concerns. The problem is that ASC therapies have no patent opportunities for the biotech industry.

My 24-year-old daughter has a spinal cord injury, and Dr. Lima in Portugal (google it) has done great work using ASC therapy to help. I wish that work were being done here in Missouri so she could benefit, but the emphasis is on ESC because that's where the money is. We are all voting no on Amendment 2 because it doesn't belong in the Missouri constitution.

The stem cell spin

Brad, St. Charles, MO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 03:56:11 GMT

I don't think any rational person would support the taking of a life for medical research so the question becomes when does a human life begin. Rational people can disagree on this issue and it does no good to label opponents of Amendment 2 as 'religious fanatics' or supporters as 'immoral pagans'. I oppose the measure because I believe that determining when a human life begins is not mine or any other persons decision to make and I would rather err on the side of caution. However, I can certainly understand the position of supporting research to give hope to millions of people. The beauty of our country is that tomorrow we get to vote how we believe and let the majority rule. However, I beg of you to avoid the name calling on both sides of the issue and respect each others opinion as sincere and heartfelt.

The stem cell spin

Alex Hagen, Lamar, MO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 04:08:20 GMT

To Joni

Moral courage is not dead in America.

I exercise it almost everytime I vote these days.

I exercise it at work when I speak to co-workers about issues I think it's important for them to go vote for or against.

I'm even exercising it here and now by simply stating my opinion.

The very essence of true debate, I believe, is convincing people. Helping them to see a point of view, or a truth.

Far too many of my fellow Christians want to stand out on a 'hill above the city' and shake their finger, and their Bible, at the heathens.

This not only infuriates them; it does nothing to convince them of the truth.

Rather it just reinforces their sterotypes about Christians being led blindly by the blind.

Don't condemn people that have different opinions; speak to them. And vote with your heart.

The stem cell spin

Ron Slee Las Vegas Nevada — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 04:13:42 GMT

I'm 38 years old and I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's. I believe my condition was caused by being exposed to chemicals during Desert Storm. I believe our government owes it to me and other soldiers that are suffering from same or similar ailments. Approving Stem Cell research is step in the right direction. We're well past the Dark Ages when ignorant men stifled scientific achievement in the name of Religion.

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David, Columbia, SC — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 04:19:58 GMT

This is a difficult issue. It seems to me that most of you are just regurgitating what little information you have retained from some light reading on the net in a vain attempt to one-up the other guy. None of you are really willing to put forth any real effort to study this topic and help find a constructive solution, which is why politicians find it so easy to play you against each other for their own benefit. Politicians are perfectly willing to hype or naysay stem cell research for their own political gain, nevermind the emotional backlash of real people with real problems. They are truly the scum of the earth, no matter the party, and any bill supported by a majority them will only slow down the rate of American progress and ingenuity, no matter the subject matter. In my humble opinion, Michael Fox should be embarassed for venturing into politics, not because of his beliefs, who he endorsed or whether or not he took his medication prior to filming, but because he could have been a much more effective advocate by staying out of the political arena. Think Jerry Lewis and you will have positive thoughts because he kept his politics to himself. If you truly want to advance a cause in the US, you need all Americans behind you, not just the left or right. Michael Fox made a strategic mistake, just like each of you are doing when you demonize people who happen to have a differing opinion on stem cell research, religion, or politics. I mean really, have you ever met anyone who thinks curing a cruel disease is not a worthy cause? Why emote such a terrible personna on someone else for seeking a different path to the same objective? The true enemy is most likely the guy or gal you just voted into office because the slick ad mentioned stem cell research.

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Armadeus Davidson, Seattle, WA — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 04:47:35 GMT

US citizen #1) These people are suffering concenquences of terrible disease and will live out this sentence because this "moral question" gives politicaly powerful people a vehicle to manipulate its resources (taxpaying citizens).

US citizen #2)This group of people have convinced themselves that humans are better than any other biological function on this planet therfore, claim we are special, and will force this belief on ALL of us- even if we are drooling in a cup, defecating into a plastic bag, and begging to die.

US citizen #3)MOST American's dont care because they have big screen TV, Big Mac sandwich and enough money to fill up their Cadillac Escalade....

I hope there is a hell.....

The stem cell spin

Kaari, Houston, Tx — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 06:18:20 GMT

"THE CURE" for ALL diseases has already been provided. Whether an individual chooses to receive their healing or not is up to them. "By HIS stripes you were healed." I Peter 2:24

The stem cell spin

Barry Bean, Peach Orchard, MO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 13:46:01 GMT

There is only one morally justifiable pro-life position. That's one that saves lives. Religious right leaders have distorted and twisted Amendment Two and they should be ashamed. I'm proud to support stem cell research that could save lives.

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Dennis, Richmond VA — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:28:39 GMT

Here is the bible's take on the snctity of life: Deuteronomy 21:18 - 21 18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and will not listen to them when they discipline him, 19 his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his town. 20 They shall say to the elders, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a profligate and a drunkard." 21 Then all the men of his town shall stone him to death. You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid. Here is another example: Deuteronomy 22:22 22 If a man is found sleeping with another man's wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel. The bible makes it pretty clear that Killing is Permitted. Now, about these few cells that have yet to become anything, yet could save the lives of people in great need...

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Lucas, waldo WI — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:29:05 GMT

I dont know much about the issue, so what i say will probably sound ignorant and stupid. Even so I would like to throw in my 10 cents worth. I just dont understand people who would claim that it was a sin to destroy a life to save a thousand others, after all wasn't that jesus's greatest gift?

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Tammy Sewell Gilbert Az — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 14:55:12 GMT

To me this is a situation of taking something negative and making it positive, these people need help. Some of you think this would never be something that you would have to confront, that may or not may be true if it were imagine what it would be like to have a child or family member or yourself dying and you could be saved but someone told you that your life wasn't worh saving or your childs life wasn't worth saving i think all the people out there that are passing judgement on this issue ought to take a long hard look at themselves before thay decide thay have the right to control someones elses life or DEATH.

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Tammy Sewell Gilbert Az — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 15:06:43 GMT

The stem cell spin

Tammy, Topeka, KS — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:27:16 GMT

Ok Kaari - my daughter and granddaughter "choose" to receive their healing. I guess they can quit taking insulin today but I'll be planning and attending two funerals this week. Give me a break!

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John K, FL — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:34:29 GMT

If embryonic stem cell research can be done without ending the lives of the embryos/blastocysts, as was done recently, I see no problem with it (I may decry that some were destroyed doing it, but I'll take the results that would prevent others). Until then, at the very least I can show caution. I cannot say with 100% certainty that life begins at conception, but, when in doubt, I err on the side that won't possibly kill. Yes, there are many frozen blastocysts that have been created by in vitro fertilization; all that does is makes me doubt the morality of in vitro fertilization in general (though doubtless most participants were not aware of this). This debate is about public funding, not about right or wrong. The conservative approach is best from a funding standpoint. Make sure what you're doing is right, move slowly. The fact that thousands of frozen embryos are discarded, etc., or even in the womb normally created don't result in a fetus, does not make doing the research right, anymore than the fact that people die every day by accident or medical conditions gives me the right to start killing people indiscrminately on the street; nor does other people doing the killing give me the right to do it as well. I get that its difficult to have a child with diabetes, or someone to have Parkinsons. But something like 40,000 people die of hunger every day. I'm not saying money shouldn't go to curing those diseases (within the bounds of ethics, of course, as much as possible), but (I have to wonder)think of the money it would take to get those cures asap, and then think of how large amounts of that money could help feed the poor today in developing countries. If by the same money I could have my child cured of a debilitating disease, I could save thousands of lives, which should I pick? I don't know.

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Bill H., Houston TX — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:34:49 GMT

The debate on whether to provide public funding for stem cell research is so acrimonious because, like other hot button issues of our day, it is a moral issue. As a society we no longer have a consensus on how to decide moral questions. Science can, at best, tell us whether stem cells might be able to cure certain diseases; it can never tell us whether it would be morally right to do so. As with abortion, the debate turns on such questions as: what is a human being? What is the value of a human life? Are there degrees of "humanness"? Is it ever right to destroy one life to save another? Our answers to such questions arise from our religious or philosophical convictions. They are utterly outside the purview of science. As a Christian, I have a fixed moral reference based on the nature and character of God as He has revealed Himself in Scripture and in His Son Jesus Christ. The Bible does not speak directly to the moral status of stem cell research, of course, but it gives me such guiding principles as the value of all human life, even unborn children. Most of you, no doubt, do not share my moral reference point of God as He has revealed Himself to us. As I said at the start, we no longer have a consensus on our basis for answering moral questions. I believe we are entitled to attempt, respectfully, to persuade others of our point of view. In the meantime, however, everyone must vote his conscience and respect the decision of the majority.

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Brian — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:14:05 GMT

That a human embryo is a human being is NOT a mere religious belief being foisted upon the rest of the populace; it is a scientific fact corroborated by countless biology textbooks, encyclopedia entries, and dictionaries. The WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA defines "embryo" as "an animal or plant in an early stage of its development." In other words, a canine embryo is already a dog, an ovine embryo is already a sheep, and a human embryo is already a human being. None of this nonsense about "potential" or exceptions for embryos in petri dishes. Human embryos are human beings; it's that simple. Those who make church-state arguments clearly don't understand the scientific reality.

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J. Slagle Texas — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:28:21 GMT

I am not against stem cell research, but I am against Federal funding. Until these money hungry politicians quit wasting money on their "earmarks" and other pet projects that benefit only a small segment of THEIR constituates I don't want them spending MY HARD EARNED money for anything. Maybe if they were wise with money there might be some left over to help a greater more representative group of Americans.

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Fred DeVries, Kalamazoo, MI — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:47:02 GMT

The question is not should we do research but rather should we take one life to help another. Many pagan religions felt the answer was yes and offered the weak and helpless to their gods in the hope of favors. Taking the life of the unborn for the good of others (with the hope of breakthroughs) is nothing more than human sacrifice. If we allow this to happen the question become who’s next and when. God save our world from the selfish hordes we have become.

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Damian Hoffman, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:16:19 GMT

Embryos that can be used to study embryonic stem cells are already being created through our current in vito fertilization (IVF) techniques. In the IVF process, many eggs are "harvested" from the potential mother, fertilized in a lab, then inserted in to the prospective mother's womb after fertilization. Several eggs are fertilized because it may take several attempts before the process takes in the prospective mother. The remaining embryos can then be donated for research by the woman that provided the eggs. With that said, we don't need to create new legislation to expressly allow or prohibit embryonic stem cell research. All we need to do is leave that choice up to the woman that provided the initial eggs. The IVF clinic could provide several choices to the egg donar for any remaining embryos, such as: 1. Discarded/Destroyed 2. Frozen for future use by the patient 3. Donated for research, including stem cell research This would leave the moral/ethical concerns up to the woman that supplied the egg for the embryo. The only question for the government would then be about whether or not to provide government funding for embryonic stem cell research. But with a written consent from the person that provided the embryo, that should be a relatively easy decision to make.

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James Schroer, Highland, Il. — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:25:53 GMT

Come on peple it's simple. There is no proof that this will even work. Use the adult stem cell and develop with that once you see what that can do they will know better what cloning can do. But once you open up the cloning law then you can say HELLO Dolly and Dolly and Dolly. So think about it. Busch has enough money do you think he would clone him self? EGO FREAK.

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Brian Gamma, St. Peters, MO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:55:39 GMT

My problem with this amendment has nothing to do with the research itself; fine, go ahead and do it. If you require public funds, obtain them through the legislative process. What on earth does this have to do with the Missouri state constitution? I'll vote for this amendment right along with the comparable adult stem cell reaseach amendment...oops, there isn't one. The legistlative process is used to debate these types of issues. Once enshrined in the constitution, the debate is over, for better or worse. This issue has no place in the state constitution. Religion has nothing to do with it.

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Tammy, Topeka, KS — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:08:15 GMT

James - we don't want more people - we aren't going to "clone" more people - we have enough! Adult stem cells are not pluripotent - they are not as flexible as embryonic stem cells - as Michael J. Fox said adult stem cells are "cranky" - they only want to do what they set out to do, that is be the kind of organ cells they originally were programmed to be - whereas embryonic stem cells are more versatile - they can differentiate into any kind of organ the researcher wants them to be. There is "no proof" perhaps because we won't allow the federal funding our reseachers need to do the work. It is through research that every vaccine, medication and life-saving medical procedure has been discovered. This is how you find the cures, etc., through research. We, as a nation, will be irresponsible if we don't allow this research - other countries will find the cure while the US sticks their arrogant, religious fanatically heads in the sand.

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Mark, KCMO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:12:13 GMT

This research is already legal. Why must anything be done?

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Cheryl, Littleton, CO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:40:56 GMT

I am against the war in Iraq and believe it to be immoral and I am for embryonic stem cell research, and like the Jewish religion, consider it to be moral. Can I choose to allocate my tax dollars to the moral research instead of the amoral war? What is moral to one may not be moral to another. Why does the Christian right believe "their" religion to be the "correct" religion to the exclusion of others. As a Republican, this drives me nuts enough to vote Democrat this year.

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Dale Stewart — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 21:49:51 GMT

I don't see a reason why an embryo is so much more respectable of a life to protect than any other form of life in our country. I remember hearing about a study a few weeks ago that talked about more men ages 18 to 24 being killed violently within the U.S. then any other country right now. Does our country need more rights for embryos, when we can barely take care of the fully mature people living and dieing here every day? How many people must we look in the face and say, "I'm sorry sir, or madam, or child, but this cluster of cells created in a test tube, or by a couple who couldn't support it, has a need for a right to live that your disease just doesn't afford you." I've heard so many people ask what Jesus would say about the destruction of life. Didn't Jesus give of himself to work miracles to heal the sick? To raise the dead? What would Jesus say if we bypassed a potential way to ease the suffering of millions so that we could excersize some idea of authority over other people? What is the moral argument that is even being made? That clusters of cells that nature (and there by God) creates and destroys every day, in every species, is devine in a way that a child suffering from type 1 diabetes or parkinsons is not? What's wrong with taking a good long look at our nation and its homeless, jobless, starving, opressed, repressed, and diseased people and trying to fix those pressing human tragedies now and then worry about clusters of cells we could turn into people we can't currently take of, later? Do we really need to argue over who's version of Jesus should be getting more money and public attension when the core of Jesus' message was, "love thy neighbor," not, "persuade your neighbor to change sects ever few months?" How many of our fellow countrymen can we ingore and let suffer so that we can try to push our own moral compasses on eachother? And aren't we all not living up to our moral standards by doing so? And why hasn't our political system, which supposedly represents what we think and feel, been asking these questions publically all along? Perhaps the question should not be, "What would Jesus do," but should be, "What would I be willing to give to help that person in the gutter."

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M. Rackers, Missouri — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 21:55:14 GMT

How many of you actually bothered to read the amendment?

http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/
2006petitions/ppStemCell.asp

According to our Missouri Secretary of State there are 45 sections of our Constitution that that may be changed, be repealed or modified by implication. These include provisions in our Missouri Bill of Right s with regard to the promotion of general welfare.. "when government does not confer this security it fails in its chief design.", Crime victims rights, the power of our legistature, executive & judical branches, local government, Education, Taxation. The last section cited should give all people pause. "The exercise of the police power of the state shall never be surrendered, abridged, or construed to permit corporations to infringe the equal rights of individuals, or the general well-being of the state." I would prefer not to surrender my state, county and city governments to stem cell researchers if you don't mind, even if they have the best of intentions. Remember, to date no law in Missouri has outlawed ANY stem cell research... If passed Stem Cell Researchers will have no accountability to our state and local government. I consider that to be problematic. That is why I voted NO.

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Monte Harkins - Kennett, MO — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 23:01:24 GMT

I just love the people who say you shouldn't do research because you don't know if it will work. HELLLLOOO??? That's why they call it research!!! BTW - amendment two doesn't require the government to spend a dime.

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M. Rackres — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 00:30:42 GMT

Monte, according to our Secretary of State the amendment will likely effect 4 sections of the Article X of the constitution. You might want to consider why... If ever funded, you would never be able to defund it without triggering the "creating disincentives for any person to engage in or otherwise associate with, or preventing, restricting, obstructing, or discouraging, such stem cell-related activities" cause. A court would rule any change to funding unconstitutional. Isn't is possible for a court to simply rule that it has to be funded? Nevermind... I suppose the Secretary of State is just being an alarmist...

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Jerry, Denver, Co. — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 04:08:20 GMT

Can't we get nearly the same results from umbilical cord stem cells which would not endanger an embryo?

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Tammy, Topeka, KS — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 15:48:08 GMT

Jerry - aaaa, no! Congratulations to Missourians who apparently went out and became educated and enlightened! Missouri can now lead the way with potential cures! Yes, potential - because we have to be allowed to do the research before we find the cures! Science 1 - - Religion 0! Yeah!!!!!!

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Tammy, Topeka, KS — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 15:51:48 GMT

Can someone tell me what "born again Christian" is exactly? Who started this term? Who gave credibility to it? And, can I be a born again virgin?

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Fed up in California — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 23:33:29 GMT

I just love it when men say they know when life begins! You do not have a clue. You will never be pregnant or have a period. You do not have any rights over womens bodies, minds or souls! You are not god. So stop pretending. Tell yourselves the truth. Men do not get to give life. Never will. All you can do is pretend. Just shut up please and leave us alone!

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Brian, Broomall, Pa. — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 03:05:18 GMT

Tammy, two things:

1. The line Michael J. Fox repeated that adult stem cells are "cranky" is one more piece of misinformation insisted upon by people clamoring for more embryonic research. It has long been established that adult stem cells are far more versatile than previously thought, and a recent WebMD article demonstrates that ASCs can, indeed, be coaxed to become any cell in the human body:

http://www.webmd.com/
content/article/127/116688.htm

2. I don't understand your "Science 1, Religion 0" comment. It is from science that we know that human embryos are human beings. The WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA tells us as much, as do countless biology and embryology textbooks. You don't need to believe in a supreme being to understand that these embryos are human beings.

"That clusters of cells that nature (and there by God) creates and destroys every day, in every species, is devine in a way that a child suffering from type 1 diabetes or parkinsons is not?"

No, every human being is equally divine. Imagine if someone wanted to kill you in order to perform a heart-and-lung transplant. You refuse. Then someone accuses you of thinking you're more important (or "divine") than someone else. You're simply EQUAL to that other person, no more or less deserving of the right to life, and the embryos in question are no different.

The stem cell spin

Tammy, Kansas — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 14:45:52 GMT

Brian - from what source did you get your "quote"? I know the horrible existence a child with Type 1 diabetes has to live through every day of their lives because I raised a daughter with Type 1 diagnosed at age 13 months (she's 37 now) and now a granddaughter diagnosed six years ago. Yes, they are far more devine than a cluster of cells. They have families and feelings and experiences and feel pain and isolation and all those emotions a cluster of cells cannot possibly feel. I think you know what I mean by Science - 1, religion - 0 in that the stem cell initiative won in Missouri and the US can now get their head out of the sand and proceed with this very promising research. One reason the republicans lost is because they keep trying to shove religion down everyone's throat - just as you are trying to do in your post. Embryonic stem cell research is going forward in this country - you're just going to have to accept it. You or your family could benefit some day and believe me, you may not think it now, but if you have a child who has to endure 3 shots of insulin every day for the rest of their lives and 10 finger sticks a day to check blood sugars while at the same time avoiding fatal high and low blood sugars, feeling different and isolated from the rest of the kids because they have to count every single bite of food they take and counter it with insulin (but not too much), are unable to wait in a line at Disneyland or anywhere else for fear of a low blood sugar, and countless other things a child with Type 1 diabetes has to deal with, don't tell me you wouldn't want a cure for this retched disease.

The stem cell spin

Brian, Broomall, Pa. — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 21:52:44 GMT

"Brian - from what source did you get your 'quote'?" About being "divine"? From Dale Stewart. Come on, Tammy. It was only a few posts before mine. I'm sure you can find it.

"I think you know what I mean by Science - 1, religion - 0 in that the stem cell initiative won in Missouri and the US can now get their head out of the sand and proceed with this very promising research." What are you talking about, exactly? Embryonic research has been going on in this country AND specifically in Missouri already for some time now. You really should educate yourself on the matter before you speak.

"One reason the Republicans lost is because they keep trying to shove religion down everyone's throat - just as you are trying to do in your post." Looks like you didn't read MY post, either. Religion has nothing to do with it. I'll say it again: NOTHING. We know from SCIENCE that human embryos are human beings, NOT RELIGION.

The stem cell spin

Alan Boyle — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 22:54:17 GMT

Folks, there is a rule saying that comments should not attack the comments of others. I've been a little loose about applying that rule, so that you can talk amongst yourselves ... but from now on I will have to apply that rule. Usually you can get your point across by saying "The religious right says..." or "The godless left says...," but we don't want to have flames break out, particularly when some of you draw upon very emotional personal experiences!

It's a fact that embryonic stem cell research is limited, not just because federal funding is limited to a relatively few stem cell lines contaminated by animal factors, but also because other funding sources are reluctant to back such research as long as there's a chance that some law could shut it down.

Thus, pretty much everything we know about the therapeutic value of embryonic stem cells comes from animal studies - and those studies are promising.

It's also a fact that adult stem cells have great therapeutic value as well, and their potential has not been fully tapped. That research has to continue to be supported. But based on the animal studies, embryonic cells are much more versatile. If you look at the studies cited above, you'll find that particular types of adult stem cells are being coaxed in particular ways - but they're not being transformed into tissues that are produced by different types of stem cells.

http://www.berkeley.edu/news/
media/releases/2006/10/23_stretch.shtml

The status of human embryos is clearly a matter of legal and ethical debate as well as a scientific matter. Certainly they're human cells, but do they enjoy the same status at 1 minute after mitosis that they do at 6 or 9 months of gestation? Well, not in the legal code. In fact, some forms of birth control work by preventing implantation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Abortifacient#Pre-implantation_labeling_controversy

I don't mean to drone on about all this ... just trying to provide some more information and let you know that we should not attack each other directly. Address the information, not the person.

Many thanks for an interesting thread of messages.

The stem cell spin

Brian, Broomall, Pa. — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 03:14:40 GMT

I am fully capable of engaging in polite discourse and I have done so on other boards, but I really get weary of people accusing me of making a religious argument when I'm directly quoting from scientific sources. I have quoted from the WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA and I'll be happy to cite exact passages, from secular biology and embryology books, that make it clear that a human being's life (or other animal's life if we're discussing other species) begins at the moment of fertilzation. Not a religious point at all. So, yes, those birth control methods that prevented a zygote/embryo/blastocyst from implanting aren't true contraceptives but rather abortafacient in nature, which is why we have the "Plan B" controversy, too: because certain pharmacists understand and object to the drug's abortafacient nature.

As far as "flexibility" goes, three things:

1. Again, even aside from the WebMD article I've cited, it's becoming clearer by the week that adult stem cells show the same flexibility and pluripotency that embryonic stem cells have.

2. You don't even NEED pluripotency. Imagine you're opening a restaurant. You'll need a chef or two, some assistant cooks, a pastry chef, wait staff, accountants, marketers, designers, perhaps bartenders if it's not a dry restaurant, and so on. You don't need someone who can do ALL of these tasks if you have a different person or group of people for each one. Such is the case with adult stem cells: there are many different kinds, and they're discovering that one type of adult stem cell can be converted to bone, one can address blood disorders, one can become insulin for diabetics, one can treat spinal-cord injuries, and so on. You don't need one magical, one-size-fits-all stem cell that can become everything if the various types of adult stem cells PUT TOGETHER give you everything you need.

3. The flip side of flexibility is instability. Many researchers are discovering that the hyped totipotency of embryonic cells -- once believed to be a great asset -- may in fact be a great liability, as they are often turning into tumors. The WASHINGTON POST and Yahoo! News recently reported that researchers trying to use ESCs to treat lab animals with Parkinson's saw the ESCs lead to tumor formation. Not exactly what you want:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/
20061022/sc_nm/stemcells_dc

The stem cell spin

Larry Butts, Indianapolis, IN — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:14:49 GMT

I have been searching endlessly to find someone somewhere who is doing stem cell research on interstitial cystitis. My wife developed IC after a nurse mistakenly used a latex foley catheter on her post-operatively. She is getting worse and no one seems to have a successful medical treatment, other than pain management. Please let me know!

The stem cell spin

Lizzy, Columbus GA — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:29:35 GMT

i am a 16-year-old writing a research paper on this specific issue. i have just read about a million arguments on why embryonic stem cell research is ok and people against it are lunatics. they say that our arguments against it are weak, but i think it may be they who are blindsighted. numerous are trying to dehumanize embryos, others are trying to justify their research saying that they do not have experiences and are therefore worthless. and of course, many are just trying to separate us, basing things on religion or political alliegances. but at the heart of this disagreement there really is not much of a disagreement. we all know and feel the human's push and want for more. mess with embryos now and there is this slight possibily that it may lead to more. i read one article that was talking about embryonic research being inevitable, and that where there is demand there will be a market. what about cloning? if there were a demand, wouldn't there then be a market?
We can stop this right now. we can close down the doorway. you know that they are always talking about those doorway drugs; do you realize how long it took society to recognize them, to see them for what they are? how long do you think it would take for us to realize this?
there is a better answer, there always is! people become so blindsighted, though, that they begin to forget they exist. why worry about ebryonic stem cell research when ther is adult stem cell research. why build up so much tension over such a controversial topic when all this national division can be avoided by one easy move. this is not a yes or no problem, an atheist versus religious, a democrat versus republican; it is a problem we need to solve together, a tension we can agree to avoid. we just need to open our blind eyes to the raw facts. there are TWO types of stem cell research.