Think Progress

2008 GOP platform calls for total ban on embryonic stem cell research.

The 2008 Republican platform calls for “a ban on all embryonic stem-cell research, public or private.” The 2004 platform followed Bush’s policy of limiting federal funding for a restricted number of stem cell lines. The National Review’s Stephen Spruiell writes that the new platform language will read: “We call for a ban on human cloning and a ban on the creation of or experimentation on human embryos for research purposes.”



54 Responses to “2008 GOP platform calls for total ban on embryonic stem cell research.”

  1. Art says:

    We don’t need no stinkin’ stem-cell research.
    “Bleeding” has worked for years and we see no reason to change.


  2. DieNowForPeace says:

    I’m amazed they’re even smart enough to procreate.

    Fcuking inbred mouth breathers…


  3. McWars says:

    We’ve found the issue beating out the economy in importance.

    Why, again, do they expect people to get excited about their regressive platform? What is so exciting about conservatism?


  4. Uncle Ho says:

    The GOP, proudly marching back to the glory days of the 9th century, where science and knowledge was forbidden, and heretics were burned at the stake.


  5. Blame Canada says:

    As the GOP get’s more desperate, they will continue to go farther to the right. Just start calling them the American Taliban.


  6. Paul W says:

    So not only are they abandoning their fearless leader George Bush, they’re moving further to the right. If they go much further they’re going to have to resurrect the swastika.

    http://progressiveworldreview.com


  7. spencers mom says:

    Hmmmm, interesting. Isn’t McStain in favor of stem cell research? At least that’s what he told (p)Rick Warren.

    But then again, McStain isn’t involved in drafting the GOP platform, he’s busy with photo ops on oil platforms.

    “My friends, for 5 1/2 years I was a POW in the Hanoi Hilton and I didn’t have access to stems or cells, my friends, except the cell I was in that didn’t, my friends, have stems or a table or a kitchen table or a chair or, my friends, a kitchen chair for the kitchen table that I didn’t have, my friends.”

    PEACE


  8. Abu Ben Hussein Leporello says:

    Not content with screwing this country into the Ground, they want to make sure we’ll be at a Huge competitive disadvantage with the rest of the world! Oh, sorry, let me correct myself, we’ll be at a huge competitive disadvantage with only those countries that live in the 21st G*dd*mn Century! Once again the Republicans prove that stupidity has No limits!
    Impeach Pelosi, Cheney and Bush and Save the Constitution!!


  9. misshusseinmolly says:

    Geez — a total ban? They’ve gone completely nuts. Banning federal funding is one thing, but now they want to make ANY research on embryonic stem cells illegal. So we’re back to throwing unwanted embryos from fertility treatments to be thrown in the trash instead of getting some good from them.

    Of course, this is just pandering to the evangelicals. It’s not like this platform plank is going to actually go anywhere. Not when three-quarters of the country favor stem-cell research.

    If the GOP was really serious about “saving the embryos”, why aren’t they calling for a ban on fertility treatments? Is it because fertility clinics make money doing this?


  10. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    Well, snarky snark snark, spencers mom… I detect an attitude…


  11. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    And flag burning… don’t forget that other vitally important issue of the day…

    Now, if the GOOPers could only catch a bunch of gay, Muslim geneticists plotting to burn a flag… it’s be a political Grand Slam for ‘em!

    A veritable 4 bagger of high stupidity!!!!

    Opps, someone mentioned a Grand Slam… quick, lock the door, or Rove will be here, hogging the waffles…


  12. paleolib says:

    McFiveAndaHalfYears will show up at the convention with a running mate he didn’t pick in time for the formal adoption of a platform over which he had no say. Some leader.


  13. hussein toasterhead says:

    misshusseinmolly Says:

    Of course, this is just pandering to the evangelicals. It’s not like this platform plank is going to actually go anywhere. Not when three-quarters of the country favor stem-cell research.

    August 28th, 2008 at 11:31 am
    ______

    And the medical tourism industry. As countries like South Korea and Thailand and China continue to surpass us in cutting-edge medical research, look for more Americans to look abroad for medical treatment.


  14. barracks9 says:

    What’s next? Banning leeches? How will Cindy McLame keep that youthful pallor and lithe, corpse-like figure?

    (Didja ever notice how she looks like the evil spawn (redundant) of the Crypt Keeper and the Borg Queen from Star Trek:TNG?)


  15. stateofthedivision says:

    Their position on health care becomes much clearer. God grants good health to those he favors. The rest can suffer their earthly punishment.

    America’s health care system already suffers under the reign of George W. It stands to become third world for all but the richest Americans, Bush’s base.


  16. McWars says:

    The Republic of Stupidity Says:

    Well, snarky snark snark, spencers mom… I detect an attitude…

    August 28th, 2008 at 11:31 am

    Look over there, live fish! And she’s a great white!


  17. DRxJ says:

    I’m just curious (and actually, a little amazed that the troll du jour hasn’t shown up yet), will this “ban” reach to infertility clinics?
    I mean, IVF implants usually 2-4 fertilized eggs, to which the success rate of actual complete pregnancy for just one is 60%.
    If successful, the body generally “discards” the other 1-3.
    Will the Repubs allow that?


  18. tom says:

    If only Terry Schiavo were still alive today. The republican’ts could throw “sanctity of life” into the witch’s brew they’re concocting as well.


  19. 666lattes says:

    Is the established industry doing this testing, or are some new research facilities doing stem-cell research that the Republicans aren’t beholden to?

    Could this be cutting into their market of drugs that they want everyone to be dependent on for absolutely everything? Does anyone have any insight into how this ban hurts (or more likely somehow helps) the Pharmaceudical industry?


  20. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    DRxJ Says:

    I’m just curious (and actually, a little amazed that the troll du jour hasn’t shown up yet), will this “ban” reach to infertility clinics?
    I mean, IVF implants usually 2-4 fertilized eggs, to which the success rate of actual complete pregnancy for just one is 60%.
    If successful, the body generally “discards” the other 1-3.
    Will the Repubs allow that?
    _____________

    Well, Shi-ite… I’d think the GOOPers would be up in arms over this. I mean, w/out clinics to help them, they’d be in real trouble. They’ve got such lousy personal skills and rotten personalities, they can’t possibly reproduce the good, old-fashioned way…


  21. spencers mom says:

    barracks9 Says:

    What’s next? Banning leeches?

    Who will be left to run McStain’s campaign? Wait… what? Oh, I thought you were referring to lobbyists. My bad.

    PEACE


  22. Buckie Boy says:

    Yeah, they are showing the world what a bunch of neanderturd knuckle-dragging low life sh!theads they are.

    Congratulations, repukes for being the most regressive subhuman scum on the earth.

    No one could have done a better job of being ignorant idiots.

    You’re number one, you’re number one.


  23. The Republic of Stupidity says:

    McWars Says:

    Look over there, live fish! And she’s a great white!
    _________

    Hmmm… I t’nk this one might be tryin’ ta cause troulbe…

    Don’t go getting all snarky around here, pal… TP is a Serious and High-Minded Forum for Intelligent Discussion…


  24. texaslady says:

    Well there will be a ban on stem cell until someone can make money on it and will pay the appropriate people. Why then, it will be a mind change AGAIN ! Mccain/bush policy is made to the highest bidder.


  25. McWars says:

    Musta overdosed on those snark tablets.. meant to take 1/2 advil.


  26. texaslady says:

    Conservatives/republicans praise the sanctity of life except after the child is born and needs health insurance. Lets not forget mccain refused to vote for SCHIP. Anything that would help American people mccain/bush turned their back on.


  27. Uncle Fester Lurks says:

    Oh f**k come on republicans run the f**king table why don’t you and include the following bans:

    1-Banning peace.

    2-Banning the constitution.

    3-Banning anyone not a republican the right to vote.

    4-Banning any affordable health care program that helps the children, the poor, the sick, the elderly.

    5-Banning corporations from having to paying a *livable* wage to it’s workers.

    6-Banning corporations from ever having to pay taxes.

    7-Banning the wealthy from ever having to pay taxes.

    8-Banning the regulation of Wallstreet, Banks, etc, etc.

    9-Banning any competition in business so that a few can have a monopoly over the oil industry, the health industry, our public airwaves, etc, etc.


  28. LividLib says:

    Reporter – “Senator McCain, could you comment on the GOP platform calling for a complete ban on embryonic stem cell research?”

    McCain – “Did I mention I was a POW?”

    Me thinks they’re afraid science may find a cure for that horrible neurological disorder known as republicanism.


  29. Exit Stage Left says:

    spencers mom Says:
    “My friends, for 5 1/2 years I was a POW in the Hanoi Hilton and I didn’t have access to stems or cells, my friends, except the cell I was in that didn’t, my friends, have stems or a table or a kitchen table or a chair or, my friends, a kitchen chair for the kitchen table that I didn’t have, my friends.”

    Just frickin hilarious. Thanks Mom :)~


  30. McWars says:

    If people are tired of conservatism, just advertise more of it!! The abused spouse isn’t complaining because of abuse, s/he’s complaining because they’re isn’t enough of it!!

    Mortal Combat Conservatism!!


  31. Exit Stage Left says:

    LividLib Says:
    Reporter – “Senator McCain, could you comment on the GOP platform calling for a complete ban on embryonic stem cell research?”
    McCain – “Did I mention I was a POW?”
    Me thinks they’re afraid science may find a cure for that horrible neurological disorder known as republicanism.

    Another classic :)~


  32. spencers mom says:

    666lattes Says:

    Is the established industry doing this testing, or are some new research facilities doing stem-cell research that the Republicans aren’t beholden to?

    Yes, places like the Hughes Medical Institute, the “f_&kyou” tax-shelter established by Howard to keep the government away from his fortune, but which has turned out to be a premier research institute, attracting the best and brightest.

    Not beholden to the drug industry or the ever shifting powers of D.C.

    PEACE


  33. Uncle Fester Lurks says:

    barracks9 Says:

    What’s next? Banning leeches? How will Cindy McLame keep that youthful pallor and lithe, corpse-like figure?

    (Didja ever notice how she looks like the evil spawn (redundant) of the Crypt Keeper and the Borg Queen from Star Trek:TNG?)
    “““““““““““““““““““““““““`
    Oh come on now, how would you look if you had a face injected so full of botox that it gives you a permanent smile and the inability to ever blink or close your eyes again? Huh? How would you look if you had one too many botched plastic surgeries and had half of your facial skin pulled back tight and stapled to the base of your neck? Huh? :)


  34. LividLib says:

    spencers mom Says:

    “My friends, for 5 1/2 years I was a POW in the Hanoi Hilton and I didn’t have access to stems or cells, my friends, except the cell I was in that didn’t, my friends, have stems or a table or a kitchen table or a chair or, my friends, a kitchen chair for the kitchen table that I didn’t have, my friends.”

    Oops! ya beat me to the POW reference. didn’t see it the first time. EXCELLENT!


  35. shoeless says:

    “We call for a ban on human cloning and a ban on the creation of or experimentation on human embryos for research purposes.”

    No problem. Nobody wants to experiment on embryos. Stem cell research uses blastomeres.


  36. Mr. Evil says:

    All the republicans seem to want to do is to turn back the clock someway. They seem to believe that the only way to move forward is to move backward. Well, they can always call Mr. Peabody and Sherman. I hear they still have their Wayback Machine.
    Just a little humor for those of you old enough to remember.


  37. barracks9 says:

    33. Uncle Fester Lurks Says:

    I bet I wouldn’t feel anything – and neither does she!

    I’ve wondered if she had a dial implanted in the back of her head, and every morning when she crawls out of the coffin that she just turns it one click tighter.

    One quick diet plan – watch someone with that much botched plastic surgery try to eat anything. (shiver – not so hungry now…)


  38. jb says:

    What next a ban on human speech? The GOP wants us to be a bunch of grunting money grubbing imbeciles.


  39. 49erDem says:

    As with most of the things modern repubs do, this is strictly poll-driven. Repubs are concerned that conservative evangelicals will not get out and vote for McCain because they’re not enthusiastic about him. This is for them. Now, if Dems can grab their packages and go after McCain for being mealy-mouthed on this subject, we might get somewhere.


  40. lm945 says:

    These idiots obviously were spawned in the same cesspool as John “there are no uninsured Americans” Goodman.

    They obviously never watched a friend or loved one deteriorate from a healthy, active, vibrant individual into someone who can’t feed themselves, dress themselves, even go to the bathroom by themselves because they have ALS.

    Or watched a friend lose body parts to diabetes.

    Or buried someone because of Alzheimers or Parkinsons.


  41. LividLib says:

    Mr. Evil Says:

    “Well, they can always call Mr. Peabody and Sherman. I hear they still have their Wayback Machine.
    Just a little humor for those of you old enough to remember.”

    They don’t make ‘em like that anymore!
    Loved the show!


  42. thomasjs says:

    This is kind of a side point but hasn’t human cloning been banned already?


  43. Bob says:

    While they encourage bombing people back to the stoneage, they want to legislate us there. I’ve had enough of the Anti-science religious extremists. They have no place in a forward-moving society. They are no better and no different than the religious extremists who think terrorism furthers their cause. These are the same people who think bombing Planned Parenthood buildings is a good thing. They are intellectual terrorists, but terrorists just the same.


  44. Bob says:

    Besides, I didn’t need another reason to not vote r, but I’ll add that to the list.


  45. tokin librul says:

    Mebbe one of Jenna’s (not-Jenna? the one who married a puke clone) kids will have a defect amenable only to treatment by outlawed methods…

    then we’ll see what happens


  46. LividLib says:

    Bob Says:

    “They are intellectual terrorists, but terrorists just the same.”

    That’s a stretch!
    (The “intellectual” part)


  47. ljm says:

    Perhaps old GOPpers with depart from us sooner without stem cell research? Note to them: the world is round, and your tires are flat!


  48. Bob says:

    OK, they terrorize intellectuals, which is terrorism, just the same.

    (I knew that didn’t sound right to begin with.)


  49. nanlichi says:

    The real reason the Repugs are against stem cell research is one of survival. If research finds the gene that turns a normal human embryo into a selfish, mean and hateful Republican, we can abort that POS before it does any harm.

    I mean really, what mother would want to give birth to such a miserable abomination if given a choice?


  50. darladooner says:

    they should continue this pro-life agenda, and go a step further and extend and enforce laws to protect the common house plant from being destroyed due to lack of water or sun or just TLC.

    seriously. if they are willing to protect tiny little EMRYOS, then certainly they would protect defenseless house plants.

    i mean, come on, a plant seed was cultivated, and nurtured for a few months…..and then the owner just forgets about it? that’s EVIL.


  51. ucsbclassics53 says:

    There are many companies like Geron Corp that engage in embryonic stem cell research. Do you think the GOP in any way will ban private research? Of course not. It’s just designed to fool the base into voting for them. They’ll never do anything when big corporations are involved and the corporations know that. They understand that this is an emotional issue and is another that fires up the base. Once the election is over and stolen, we’ll see who is first at the GOP trough…


  52. ucsbclassics53 says:

    50. There is not a base of pro-planters who donates time and money generously to the GOP…


  53. southrnbelle says:

    To call the GOP “IDIOTS” is an insult to IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!


  54. Moderation says:

    That’s right, the Republicans want to THROW THEM IN THE TRASH! These are generally blastocysts made during FERTILITY TREATMENT. In other words, making life. Making lovely babies to have and to hold and to love.

    Instead of using the excess that comes from that treatment…excess that, through the normal course of a woman’s life will be destroyed/purged via natural processes…these boneheads would rather pop them in to incinerators, or biological breakdown tanks, or simply throw them right in the trash can. Save lives with them? What are you, some sort of communist?

    Please, please push the above meme over and over whenever you hear this garbage, because it’s the frakkin’ TRUTH! Most embryonic stem cells are created because of people trying to MAKE new life, not destroy it. The GOP is seriously full of imbeciles. Frakkin’ imbeciles.



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