A Moment of Clarity
For the first time, in what seems like forever, a government official is stepping away from partisan rhetoric. Bill Frist, Senate Republican leader (and who knew? a heart-lung transplant surgeon), has decided to support a bill to expand federal financing for embryonic stem cell research, in direct opposition to the White House's policy placing strict limits on taxpayer financing for the work."While human embryonic stem cell research is still at a very early stage, the limitations put in place in 2001 will, over time, slow our ability to bring potential new treatments for certain diseases," Mr. Frist said. "Therefore, I believe the president's policy should be modified." His speech received the approval of Democrats as well as Republicans.
"An embryo is nascent human life," Mr. Frist says in his speech, adding: "This position is consistent with my faith. But, to me, it isn't just a matter of faith. It's a fact of science."
"Cure today may be just a theory, a hope, a dream," he says, in the conclusion of the text. "But the promise is powerful enough that I believe this research deserves our increased energy and focus. Embryonic stem cell research must be supported. It's time for a modified policy - the right policy for this moment in time."
posted by BrooklynKat at 10:45 AM
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2 Comments:
Holy crap, yeah this was pretty interesting news. It's also interesting how this could lead to the first Bush veto. I imagine that's of extra significance since Congress is so Republican controlled. It might be yet another indication of Bush's lame ducked-ness and his continuing departure from all things reasonable and moderate.
We're quoting practically the entire article but here's some more goodies:
"I admire the majority leader for doing this," Senator Harry Reid, the minority leader and Democrat of Nevada, said immediately after the speech. He and Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, said Mr. Frist's stance would give hope to people everywhere.
Senator Arlen Specter, Republican of Pennsylvania, contending they were discussing "the difference between life and death," said of Mr. Frist, "I believe the speech that he has just made on the Senate floor is the most important speech made this year, and perhaps the most important speech made in years."
He added: "This is a speech that will reverberate around the world, including at the White House." Mr. Frist's move will undoubtedly change the political landscape in the debate over embryonic stem cell research, one of the thorniest moral issues to come before Congress. The chief House sponsor of the bill, Representative Michael N. Castle, Republican of Delaware, said, "His support is of huge significance."
I agree with Frist on this, but don't forget that he is still a strong Pro-Lifer and has his eye on the GOP Presidential race in 2008.
I hope more Republicans continue smacking the lunatic moral conservatives in the face.
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