D. Armenta
PlagmanBush Ready to Veto Reducing Stem Cell Restrictions
On Thursday, Congress approved legislation that would ease the current restrictions on federally funded embryonic stem cell research. The vote in the House was 247-176 in favor of the bill, but this fell 35 votes short of the level that would be necessary to override Bush’s impending veto.
“For many, embryonic stem cell research is the most promising source of potential treatments and cures,” said Representative Diana DeGette, a democrat from Colorado and the bill’s leading advocate, “unfortunately, because of the stubbornness of one man, President Bush, these people continue to suffer as they wait.”
Nevertheless, Bush stayed on the same path that led him to a veto of a similar bill proposed last year. “If this bill were to become law, American taxpayers would for the first time in our history be compelled to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos. I cannot in good conscious allow research that could save millions now and in the future at the expense of a few religious zealots who would be offended. Embryos are going to stay in the trash can where they can’t offend anyone, end of story.”
Bush added, “The taxpayers have enough to gripe about when it comes to how their money’s being spent. They’re already paying for Mexicans to get free health care, and providing enough funding so we can cover obesity-related disorders through Medicare, not to mention bilingual schools for illegals. So even though it wouldn’t cost them anything, allowing embryonic stem cell research would be the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Bush’s written statement started an hour-long debate on the floor of the House. “You’re talking about spare embryos now but if it ever did work… it would require the killing of millions of embryos that would otherwise lead a full, healthy life in the medical waste bin,” said Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, who surprisingly is a Republican.
Citing an unbiased source, Smith added that a recent report by the U.S. Catholic Conference, whose stance on abortion and embryonic stem cell research is entirely neutral, listed a number of breakthroughs involving research conducted on adult stem cells, umbilical cord blood, and amniotic fluid, none of which involved the destruction of a human embryo that can now rest in peace in the dumpster.
Overall, the measure drew support from 210 Democrats and 37 Republicans. The opposition, conversely, was comprised of 16 Democrats and 160 Republicans, essentially proving that stupidity is a partisan issue. “Do I believe embryos should be used for stem cell research just because the embryo is already aborted and going to be thrown away anyway?” said Republican senator Dick Shelby (AL), “Absolutely not. No one in my family has a debilitating disease, so why would I want to condone that practice? I’d get lynched around here.”
Political analysts believe that Bush is vetoing this bill once again knowing that the next time it comes around will be right before an election. Said talk-show host and political guru Larry King, “the man knows what he’s doing. Every year public opinion grows in support of stem cells. Bush’s team knows this, and they also know the Democrats expect him to veto it again next year. Thus, to make Bush look bad right before the election, they’re going to pass the same bill, and since public support will have increased from 93% to 95%, Bush is going to let it through and be the hero. Personally I couldn’t care less; I don’t have Alzheimer’s or diabetes.”
“For many, embryonic stem cell research is the most promising source of potential treatments and cures,” said Representative Diana DeGette, a democrat from Colorado and the bill’s leading advocate, “unfortunately, because of the stubbornness of one man, President Bush, these people continue to suffer as they wait.”
Nevertheless, Bush stayed on the same path that led him to a veto of a similar bill proposed last year. “If this bill were to become law, American taxpayers would for the first time in our history be compelled to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos. I cannot in good conscious allow research that could save millions now and in the future at the expense of a few religious zealots who would be offended. Embryos are going to stay in the trash can where they can’t offend anyone, end of story.”
Bush added, “The taxpayers have enough to gripe about when it comes to how their money’s being spent. They’re already paying for Mexicans to get free health care, and providing enough funding so we can cover obesity-related disorders through Medicare, not to mention bilingual schools for illegals. So even though it wouldn’t cost them anything, allowing embryonic stem cell research would be the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Bush’s written statement started an hour-long debate on the floor of the House. “You’re talking about spare embryos now but if it ever did work… it would require the killing of millions of embryos that would otherwise lead a full, healthy life in the medical waste bin,” said Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey, who surprisingly is a Republican.
Citing an unbiased source, Smith added that a recent report by the U.S. Catholic Conference, whose stance on abortion and embryonic stem cell research is entirely neutral, listed a number of breakthroughs involving research conducted on adult stem cells, umbilical cord blood, and amniotic fluid, none of which involved the destruction of a human embryo that can now rest in peace in the dumpster.
Overall, the measure drew support from 210 Democrats and 37 Republicans. The opposition, conversely, was comprised of 16 Democrats and 160 Republicans, essentially proving that stupidity is a partisan issue. “Do I believe embryos should be used for stem cell research just because the embryo is already aborted and going to be thrown away anyway?” said Republican senator Dick Shelby (AL), “Absolutely not. No one in my family has a debilitating disease, so why would I want to condone that practice? I’d get lynched around here.”
Political analysts believe that Bush is vetoing this bill once again knowing that the next time it comes around will be right before an election. Said talk-show host and political guru Larry King, “the man knows what he’s doing. Every year public opinion grows in support of stem cells. Bush’s team knows this, and they also know the Democrats expect him to veto it again next year. Thus, to make Bush look bad right before the election, they’re going to pass the same bill, and since public support will have increased from 93% to 95%, Bush is going to let it through and be the hero. Personally I couldn’t care less; I don’t have Alzheimer’s or diabetes.”
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Whew, thanks for another good laugh, P.--I needed that.