by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright June 21, 2007
All Rights Reserved.

humbing his nose at American public opinion and repeating the same mistake outlawing federal funding for embryonic stem cells July 20, 2006, President George W. Bush vetoed a new bill, vital to advancing medical science. Bush let his religious beliefs interfere with presidential decision-making. Federal government must fund research “that respects human dignity and uphold our moral values,” said Bush, condemning the practice of (a) creating stem cells through human cloning and (b) using discarded living embryos from fertility clinics. Bush has no problem flushing live embryos down the toilet or letting them die in freezers or Petrie dishes. When Bush talks about “our” values, he's not talking about the overwhelming U.S. majority that supports embryonic stem cell research. He's referring to a religious minority that imposes its will on the scientific community.

      Opponents of embryonic stem cell research equate the practice to abortion, rallying the pro-life community against key scientific research. Bush's opposition to embryonic stem cell research and expected veto in 2006 prompted California to pass Nov. 2, 2004 Prop. 71, “California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative,” providing $3 billion to fund unrestricted, cutting-edge stem cell research. After numerous court challenges, the State created the Institute of Regenerative Medicine in 2005, to implement Prop. 71. “America is also a nation founded on the principle that all human life is sacred,” said Bush, giving the religious jingo serving as the “ethical” backbone of pro-life objections to embryonic stem cell research. With approval ratings under 30%, it's beyond outrageous that Bush speaks for the American majority, when, in fact, he speaks for an out-of-touch religious minority.

      When discussing stem cell research, Bush likes to profile young couples with fertility problems who were lucky enough to give birth with the help of assisted reproductive technology. His message implies that otherwise healthy embryos would be sacrificed by mad scientists in the zealotry of finding new treatments of incurable diseases. Embryonic stem cell research promises to cure Alzheimer's, Diabetes, Parkinson's, spinal cord and brain injuries and a host of other incurable conditions. “And our conscience calls us to pursue the possibilities of science in a manner that respects human dignity and upholds our moral values,” Bush told a select group opposed to embryonic stem cell research at a White House veto party. Bush doesn't speak for “our” conscience and morals, he speaks for a small but powerful minority currently with a stranglehold on scientific research.

      Bush issued the third veto of his six-and-a-half year presidency, the first involving embryonic stem cells in 2006 and, more recently, the second blocking timetables for continuing Iraq war funding. Performing intellectual gyrations, Bush says he has no problem with privately-funded embryonic stem cell research. He draws the line with the use of tax dollars to fund stem cell research. Whether funded publicly or privately, embryonic stem cell research involves the same practice of using living embryos to further medical science. Opposing public funding but tolerating private research makes no sense. Bush sees promise in scientific methods that grow “pluripotent” stem cells from live tissue without using human embryos. Scientists believe that such methods would take years to develop, delaying urgent cures only from embryonic stem cells.

      Bush continues his polemics while patients suffer with disabling, incurable ailments. “Destroying human life in the hopes of saving human life is not ethical—an it is not the only option before us,” Bush told a gathering while vetoing the bill. Calling unused and discarded embryos “human life” plays to the pro-life crowd, cheering Bush on while handcuffing scientists ready to make medical breakthroughs. Waiting years on iffy options like “plureipotent” stem cells puts researchers behind the eight-ball, while other countries lead the way. For a president to impose his religious beliefs on the country and scientific community crosses the line between church and state. “On everything from stem cell research to global warming, the president has worked to turn Washington D.C., into an evidence free zone,” said Sen. Hilary Clinton (D-N.Y.), a leading presidential candidate.

      Science moves at a glacial pace even with government help. Bush's deliberate attempt to sabotage the government's role in funding embryonic stem cell research throws a major roadblock into the possibility finding new treatments and cures. Finding like-minded physicians and ethicists doesn't make it right. Without government funding, private investors must assume all the risk, limiting the extent of new research. Bush and his spokespersons like to remind the public that the president follows his personal beliefs, not polls. While that appears principled, it's actually dictatorial, thumbing his nose at the American public. Opinion polls are supposed to help guide a president's decisions in line with popular opinion. Ignoring the polls—whether on stem cells, healthcare or Iraq—reveals Bush's stubborn streak, knowing in year-and-a-half he'll be out of the picture and no longer relevant.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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