Clinton on Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Yesterday, Clinton spoke to a group of people at Dartmouth College about her push for federally funded embryonic stem cell research. With her, she toted a 10-year-old Type 1 diabetic, and a 23-year-old quadriplegic who would both benefit from advances in stem cell research. Clinton said, "Every day that passes, we have families...waiting and wondering whether their government is really on the side of helping and saving the lives of their loved ones." She also claimed that the Bush Administration has a general contempt for science and disregard of evidence. http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/06/15/republican_families_back_clinton_on_stem_cell_research/

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 13 years ago, and I do not support embryonic stem cell research. Personally, this is very much a moral issue. But morals aside, I would also like there to be a few things left in this country that the government is not directly involved in. I want a cure for my disease, I want to live life to the fullest, and I want that for my children too. But I am not relying on the government to cure my disease. The more anyone relies on the government, the more they will be let down.

I support forms of stem cell research that do not destroy life, there is so much that can be accomplished without harming living beings. I think the key phrase here is "federally funded." The government has not stopped private funding for this research, so those who don't have a problem with the destruction of human embryos can still give their support (monetary or biological) to groups using this method without their funds being filtered through the government. Private industry has always been more efficient than the government.

If Hillary becomes our next president my hopes, and the hopes of so many others, for a limited government will be gone. This issue in particular will not be limited to existing embryos. That will only be the start. It will probably end up more like that terrible movie, The Island.