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Thursday, May 26, 2005
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
I'm not sure what to make of this story of the House defying Bush's policy on federal embryonic stem cell research funding.
On one hand, I think it's a good thing that there are many Republicans willing to take a stand for a secular, rather than religious, approach to policy.
On the other hand, I oppose federal funding for all non-defense research. I think that promising research is likely to get private funding (as we have seen with embryonic stem cell research itself). So, I actually don't approve of this change in policy for fiscal and moral reasons (protecting property, not embryos).
Symbolically, though, I think it would be a shame for Bush to use his first veto for this cause, rather than something more worthwhile (like the bloated Highway Bill, for example).
On one hand, I think it's a good thing that there are many Republicans willing to take a stand for a secular, rather than religious, approach to policy.
On the other hand, I oppose federal funding for all non-defense research. I think that promising research is likely to get private funding (as we have seen with embryonic stem cell research itself). So, I actually don't approve of this change in policy for fiscal and moral reasons (protecting property, not embryos).
Symbolically, though, I think it would be a shame for Bush to use his first veto for this cause, rather than something more worthwhile (like the bloated Highway Bill, for example).