Prominent Stem Cell Researcher Praised By Bush Rips White House’s Stem Cell Policies
Prominent Stem Cell Researcher Praised By Bush Rips White House’s Stem Cell Policies
Last month, University of Wisconsin professor James Thomson — the first scientist to successfully isolate embryonic stem cells — and his colleagues published a paper in Science Magazine stating that human skin cells could be “reprogrammed” into embryonic stem cells.
President Bush has refused to directly fund embryonic stem cell research, twice vetoing such legislation. The White House was therefore quick to herald Thomson’s work, claiming it vindicated Bush’s position:
President Bush is very pleased to see the important advances in ethical stem cell research reported in scientific journals today. By avoiding techniques that destroy life, while vigorously supporting alternative approaches, President Bush is encouraging scientific advancement within ethical boundaries.
Right-wing columnist Charles Krauthammer declared, “The verdict is clear: Rarely has a president — so vilified for a moral stance — been so thoroughly vindicated.” “An official of one group fiercely opposed to destroying embryos said the “scientists should thank ‘pro-life voices’ for pushing them to find alternatives.”
But Thomson and American Association for the Advancement of Science President Alan Leshner could care less about the administration’s approval. In a Washington Post op-ed today, the duo slams the right-wing response to their work, stating that the Bush administration’s restrictive stem cell policies are “counter to both scientific and public opinion” and are inhibiting potential treatments:
At a time when nearly 60 percent of Americans support human embryonic stem cell research, U.S. stem cell policy runs counter to both scientific and public opinion. President Bush’s repeated veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which has twice passed the House and Senate with votes from Republicans and Democrats alike, further ignores the will of the American people. […]
[U]nder the policy President Bush outlined on Aug. 9, 2001, at most 21 stem cell lines derived from embryos before that date are eligible for federal funding. American innovation in the field thus faces inherent limitations. Even more significant, the stigma resulting from the policy surely has discouraged some talented young Americans from pursuing stem cell research.
As Science Progress noted, the skin cell research could not have been accomplished without the knowledge from prior embryonic stem cell research.
Furthermore, Thomson and Leshner emphasized that it “remains to be seen whether reprogrammed skin cells will differ in significant ways from embryonic stem cells…it’s too early to say we’re certain.”
In June, then-White House spokesperson Tony Snow said Bush’s veto of stem cell research was evidence of him “putting science before ideology.” In reality, the scientific community — including Bush’s own science advisers — thinks the opposite.
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63 Responses to “Prominent Stem Cell Researcher Praised By Bush Rips White House’s Stem Cell Policies”
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Bushies need the fundie vote. So they go with ignorance.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:09 pmI cover this in a more tongue-into-cheek manner over at my blog.
Cheers,
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:19 pmthe first cure we must find is the one for conservatism.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:22 pmI beg to differ, joe cantwell.
The first cure we must find is the one for fear.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:26 pmThe first cure we must find is the one for fear.
Comment by Zooey — December 3, 2007 @ 9:26 pm
i don’t grok the difference.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:28 pmi don’t grok the difference.
Comment by Lefty Patriot — December 3, 2007 @ 9:28 pm
Most conservatives live in fear, but not all who live in fear are conservatives.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:32 pmConservatives only care about ‘children’ before they’re born. After? They don’t give two shits if it’s not theirs.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:34 pmMost conservatives live in fear, but not all who live in fear are conservatives.
Comment by Zooey — December 3, 2007 @ 9:32 pm
you sound like that guy from “mystery men”.
(remember? ben stiller comedy?)
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:35 pmyou sound like that guy from “mystery menâ€.
(remember? ben stiller comedy?)
Comment by joe cantwell — December 3, 2007 @ 9:35 pm
Sorry, I gave up tv long ago. I hope that’s a compliment. :-)
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:37 pmJeez, what an ingrate! Doesn’t this uneducated scientist realize that he never would have made his discovery if the all wise and knowing pResident Bush hadn’t impeded his research? He probably believes in evolution and global warming as well. Where do these scientists get the idea that they know more than politicians?
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:46 pmIt’s only a matter of time before he starts receiving death threats from reich-wingers.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:50 pmThe “skin based stem cell” is still a LONG ways off as a viable treatment. Had embryonic stem cell research had been supported, we would be YEARS into testing and research for cures for some of the most debilitating diseases.
Instead, we are all going to have to wait years… maybe decades… longer before this new treatment proves fruitful… IF it works at all.
How many will die in the meantine Pro-LIFE‘ers?
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:30 pmGeorgie stated his case quite clearly when he stated “Knowledge is dangerous”.
Of course, rational people realize that ignorance is dangerous.
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:42 pmWe can’t destroy life! Not at least until we can send it overseas to die for MIC portfolios!
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:49 pmSorry, I gave up tv long ago. I hope that’s a compliment. :-)
Comment by Zooey — December 3, 2007 @ 9:37 pm
no, just an observation.
“mystery men” was a movie. with wes studi. a native american actor.
julianne moore turns 47 today.
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:58 pm… so if the recent stem cell breakthrough using skins cells, and no embryos, proves cheaper (as described) and as good or better than the results with embryonic stem cells, will you libs show deference to those who consider embryos human life and stop research on them?
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:17 pmComment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
Don’t be such an idiot. Not even the researchers know for sure whether the reprogrammed skin cells are as good, let alone better, than stem cells. It is too early to tell.
Unless, of course, you now claim to be an expert in skin cell research just like you are an expert in global climate change /snark
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:27 pmHill’reh’s national poll numbers drop 11 points in less than a month, and now has only 39% of Democratic voters:
http://www.usatoday.com/ news/ polls/ tables/ live/ 2007-12-03-politics-poll.htm?loc=interstitialskip
It’s the last question in the poll, so just scroll to the bottom, and you will see how startling the numbers are.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:29 pm#17, Gregor,
I asked IF it is found, that it is as good or better, would you stop killing human life. I am still waiting for your answer.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:30 pm#16 Jason M. Hendler:
… so if the recent stem cell breakthrough using skins cells, and no embryos, proves cheaper (as described) and as good or better than the results with embryonic stem cells, will you libs show deference to those who consider embryos human life and stop research on them?
WTF did you read that it’s “cheaper”?
And what’s a cancer or two?, you know … the technique produces cancers.
Go read my link above for the ethics of this.
Cheers,
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:31 pmOh, and Hendler, as it’s been pointed out to you every time you trot out that old tired line about fertilized eggs being human life: If you are so bloody concerned about those eggs, you should be picketing the fertility clinic nearest you, because they destroy the fertilized eggs if their patients decide so.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:32 pmComment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
so?
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:33 pmI am still waiting for your answer.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
Fertilized eggs are not human life, which is why they are routinely destroyed by the fertility clinics that store them.
And if the skin cells turn out to be not as good as stem cells, will stop your nonsense and support stem cell research?
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:34 pmi copied this comment from a science blog — can’t remember which one, or who said it, but i thought the comment was worth saving:
STEMCELL ISSUE
stem cells from different sources could be used for different problems
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:36 pmI am still waiting for your answer.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
Oddly enough, no one really gives a sh!t if you wait until doomsday.
Stay by the phone, though. Never know when your dream(insert gender specific fantasy) will call.
Or you could just f@ck off.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:39 pmWTF did you read that it’s “cheaper�
Comment by zuch — December 3, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
Mr. Hendler is trying to frame the question in such a way that you practically have to answer what he wants to hear; which is “yes, I will stop my support for stem cell research”.
In order to get that answer, he has to posit a highly hypothetical scenario where skin cell research is cheaper, and better than stem cell research. If you let him, he will also add that it is less pollutant, reduces global warming, and stops hair loss.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:41 pmIf you let him, he will also add that it is less pollutant, reduces global warming, and stops hair loss.
Comment by Gregor Samsa — December 3, 2007 @ 11:41 pm
And will finally get you laid, even though you’re a pimply fat moron from Virginia. It’s like a miracle!!!
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:43 pmThe only ethical issue I see concerns Bush’s refusal to allow scientific research to move forward, delaying by years cures for a host of deadly and debilitative disease. Having blood on one’s hands is hardly taking the high road. It borders on being criminal.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:43 pmComment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
i’m still waiting for my answer too.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:43 pmHendler-like laland question: IF skin cell research gives you a rock-hard body and six-pack abs, will you stop your support for stem cell research?
Hey, I clearly said “IF”…
/sarcasm off
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:44 pmjason, come back. don’t be a coward. defend your anti-life position.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:45 pm… so if the recent stem cell breakthrough using skins cells, and no embryos, proves cheaper (as described) and as good or better than the results with embryonic stem cells, will you libs show deference to those who consider embryos human life and stop research on them?
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
No.
There’s your answer :)
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:46 pmComment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
I’m not programmed for deference.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:52 pmsked IF it is found, that it is as good or better, would you stop killing human life. I am still waiting for your answer.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
For someone who happily supports Bushco’s mass murder of actual living humans, including thousands of defenseless children, Jason Hitler sure has a hard-on for cell clumps.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:57 pmjason, if you do not respond then there is no god.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:58 pmBush hasn’t met a scientific theory he understands.
He fears science, since it is based on reason, not his fallacious faith.
I can’t wait till he’s replaced with someone, anyone else.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:17 amWho’s a Democrat, of course.
will you libs show deference to those who consider embryos human life and stop research on them?
Comment by Jason M. Hendler
Jason you cant be pro-empire AND pro-life.
December 4th, 2007 at 12:21 amwould you stop killing human life. I am still waiting for your answer.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler
Has Jason begun to think that Iraqis are humans and are alive????
December 4th, 2007 at 12:30 amjason, if you do not respond then there is no god.
Comment by joe cantwell
So funny!!!
Sorry, I gave up tv long ago. I hope that’s a compliment. :-)
Comment by Zooey
You communist!!
December 4th, 2007 at 12:31 amps - no champagne for the ‘72 dolphins tonight!
December 4th, 2007 at 12:43 amso if the recent stem cell breakthrough using skins cells, and no embryos, proves cheaper (as described) and as good or better than the results with embryonic stem cells, will you libs show deference to those who consider embryos human life and stop research on them?
Comment by Jason M. Hendler —
December 4th, 2007 at 12:57 amThe insanity of all this…I don’t hear any of you on the right upset about the disposal of unused embryos.
And why are embryos so important while Schip for children is not? Why are you on the right upset about the stoppage of embryonic development while in the womb but are so ready to fight these insane wars killing hundreds of thousands?
Save the embryos - more babies born, keep the children/family sick and poor so maybe they will have no choice but to fight in the Crusades… is that what the religious right seeks?
I honestly do not understand.
… so if the recent stem cell breakthrough using skins cells, and no embryos, proves cheaper (as described) and as good or better than the results with embryonic stem cells, will you libs show deference to those who consider embryos human life and stop research on them?
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
How do you know it would be better, cheaper or as good, considering that you GOP wingnuts have been blocking much of the research funding to get embryonic stem cell research off the ground? See, it would require that you superstitious MORONS get out of the way long of enough for LEGITIMATE SCIENTISTS (not MORONS like you) to do the research. You have NO IDEA if embryonic stem cells possess additional capabilities not available from adult stem cells, and your supposition that they do - required authentic research that so far ‘tards LIKE YOU have BLOCKED!
#17, Gregor,
I asked IF it is found, that it is as good or better, would you stop killing human life. I am still waiting for your answer.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
By HUMAN LIFE, are you talking about the cells that flake off your skin and out your bowels, or are you referring to the weeds you whack down your shower? Because those clumps of cells are also human life, and if you’re going to be ‘tarded, are you going to start a ’save the whack babies’ fund as well?
Now if you’re ‘tarded enough to think that a clump of cells are so important, so cherished and so valued, why does all of that concern of yours end in the womb? Little hateful ‘tards like you can’t line up people and torture, murder or abuse them once they’ve left the womb fast enough. The completely NEUROTIC inconsistency with being anti-living while whining about being pro-life is just INSANE - LIKE YOU!!! You clearly don’t VALUE LIFE, or you’d stop taking the TRULY LIVING HUMANS. Instead you’re so ‘tarded ALL you care about is a clump of cells that under a microscope is nothing more than a CLUMP OF CELLS! You’re TRULY MORONIC, you Aspergers ‘tard baby!
December 4th, 2007 at 1:06 amYa spose we could find somebody who could just rip some stem cells from the brain stem of a certain resident of the White Haus?
December 4th, 2007 at 1:11 amJason M. Hendler —
December 4th, 2007 at 1:19 amWhy do women have morning sickness th the first 3 months?
For a woman to go through this sickness, this three month period of which most see no problem of elimination of an embryo if so wanted, she is going to want this baby and be confident she could provide care.
Natures way? Maybe even God’s way of human survival?
For thousands of years the Indians had ways of stoppage of pregnancy for reasons of survival while remaining true to their spirituality.
Jason M. Hendler —
December 4th, 2007 at 1:31 amWhy are you and your kind not protesting infertility clinics? Unused embryos are disposed of there, but that is OK right?
What hypocrites.
Comment by had enough — December 4, 2007 @ 1:31 am
there is no jason m. hendler. there is not god.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:09 amYa spose we could find somebody who could just rip some stem cells from the brain stem of a certain resident of the White Haus?
Comment by RUCerious — December 4, 2007 @ 1:11 am
Pfff good luck finding any!
December 4th, 2007 at 5:44 amComment by Jason M. Hendler — December 3, 2007 @ 11:17 pm
You do realise that this new method of creating stem cells causes cancer don’t you?
December 4th, 2007 at 6:48 amKilo
Not only that, but most Americans haven’t even read the book creationism is based upon.
http://www.theologicalstudies.citymax.com/page/page/1573625.htm
IE: I agree with you on saying that polls aren’t an indicator of scientific truth. On stem cells however, the polls sort of agreed with scientific opinion on the matter.
December 4th, 2007 at 7:52 amFFS get yourself a disclaimer already. Asterisk this shit and state, clearly and in each instance, that:
* Opinion polls of US citizens include a statistically significant portion of the population who are retarded.
Comment by Kilo — December 4, 2007 @ 7:32 am
But if the Republicans were excluded from the polls they’d scream bloody murder.
December 4th, 2007 at 7:59 amEven if this new procedure is the breakthrough they hope it is, it doesn’t change the bottom line. An American researcher had to bring in a Japanese partner because he wasn’t allowed to the basic research that led to the breakthrough. And that was because of Bush’s lunacy. Do you think this is just happening in stem cell research? What about energy and alternate fuels. What else? Americans will not own the patents to the technologies of the future unless we throw out the Fundies and their Iron Age mindset.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:27 amWhat else? Americans will not own the patents to the technologies of the future unless we throw out the Fundies and their Iron Age mindset.
Comment by Menehune — December 4, 2007 @ 8:27 am
The end products are just going to be manufactured in China and India anyway - might as well cut out the middleman.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:33 amTP IS LYING. Bush is funding Stem Cell research. He vetoed a bill that would have increased funding to new lines. Don’t worry you lefties, Bush is killing alot of babies for your special research already.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:40 amRoger… do you believe we should ban all InVitro fertilizations as well? I mean, God WANTS some people to be barren. And embryos are destroyed in that process too. And I’m sure God didn’t mean for human beings to produce litters, which seems to be the case with those fertility drugs.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:45 amFFS get yourself a disclaimer already. Asterisk this shit and state, clearly and in each instance, that:
* Opinion polls of US citizens include a statistically significant portion of the population who are retarded.
Comment by Kilo — December 4, 2007 @ 7:32 am
I don’t understand your point here. Are you arguing that the polls are flawed because they sample an realistic cross-section of the population?
December 4th, 2007 at 8:46 amerock
What he is saying is that because a large portion of the US population is about as informed as your average pet rock, polls aren’t always a good indication of the truth of something.
December 4th, 2007 at 9:22 amTP IS LYING. Bush is funding Stem Cell research. He vetoed a bill that would have increased funding to new lines. Don’t worry you lefties, Bush is killing alot of babies for your special research already.
Comment by Roger_Roger — December 4, 2007 @ 8:40 am
Killing babies? Yes, we know about all the depleted uranium in Iraq poisoning babies and causing birth defects. That’s not really the topic of this thread, though. Please try to stay on topic.
December 4th, 2007 at 9:25 am“Don’t worry you lefties, Bush is killing alot of babies for your special research already.”
More adolescent slime from Roger_Roger, a living, two-legged argument for birth control if there ever was one.
I’m more concerned with the adults your precious kakodaemon Bush has murdered, had murdered or just plain caused to be dead than I am the lumps of cells that may or may not have been discarded.
Now shut your ignorant, should-have-been-aborted trap.
December 4th, 2007 at 9:39 am“But Thomson and American Association for the Advancement of Science President Alan Leshner could care less about the administration’s approval.”
FYI, the saying is couldn’t care less.
December 4th, 2007 at 9:52 amActually, conservatives do object to the destruction of “left-over” embryos from fertility clinics, and there are processes in place for them to be adopted. These adopted embryos have been successfully “adopted”, implanted and birthed, which gives us a small population of “snowflake” children. Isn’t that a lovely ending to a tragic scenario?
December 4th, 2007 at 11:24 amActually, conservatives do object to the destruction of “left-over†embryos from fertility clinics, and there are processes in place for them to be adopted. These adopted embryos have been successfully “adoptedâ€, implanted and birthed, which gives us a small population of “snowflake†children. Isn’t that a lovely ending to a tragic scenario?
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — December 4, 2007 @ 11:24 am
If conservatives objected so much to the destruction, then you ALL would adopt the embryos, instead of there being only a tiny handful of those snowflake babies. The reality is that destruction is what happens in almost every pregnancy, even the pregnancy of evangelicals - yet snowflake isn’t a priority for you hypocrites. As for you labeling a clump of cells being lost as a ‘tragedy’, what’s a tragedy is concern from human life ends in the wombs for hypocritical ‘tards like you.
December 4th, 2007 at 2:57 pmFYI, the saying is couldn’t care less.
Comment by TXpastafarian
PRECISELY. As in “I don’t have ANY care” toward the subject. If you “could care less”, it means you have at least a shred of concern, therefore, there’s room to “care less”.
December 4th, 2007 at 3:02 pmGod WANTS some people to be barren
Agreed, yet when the argument or facts don’t fit the agenda, wingnuts cry foul.
I feel that if God chose you NOT to procreate, then you’re a filthy sinner (GREEDY) to bypass God’s will.
December 4th, 2007 at 3:10 pm