New Nebraska Network thanks and salutes President Barack Obama for restoring science and reason in the federal government's policy towards stem cell research. Yesterday, he signed an executive order overturning the nonsensical restrictions placed on such research by former President George W. Bush in 2001. Obama stated:
Today, with the Executive Order I am about to sign, we will bring the change that so many scientists and researchers; doctors and innovators; patients and loved ones have hoped for, and fought for, these past eight years: we will lift the ban on federal funding for promising embryonic stem cell research. We will vigorously support scientists who pursue this research. And we will aim for America to lead the world in the discoveries it one day may yield....
[I]n recent years, when it comes to stem cell research, rather than furthering discovery, our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values. In this case, I believe the two are not inconsistent. As a person of faith, I believe we are called to care for each other and work to ease human suffering. I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research - and the humanity and conscience to do so responsibly.
Unfortunately, as the Omaha World-Herald reports, our own members of Congress continue to cloud scientific progress with the politics of abortion, uniformly opposing Obama's embrace of new stem cell research:
U.S. Rep. Lee Terry, NE-02: "Significant advances have been made using stem cells in research that does not involve the creation or destruction of human embryos. I support research that is done in an ethical way that respects the dignity of human life. I do not support using taxpayer dollars to fund embryonic stem cell research, doing so is inappropriate and immoral."
U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, NE-01: "Unfortunately, this decision revives the ethically divisive issue of the destruction of unborn human life for research purposes. Adult stem cell research is good science that is now helping to save American lives. This is where our limited federal taxpayer dollars should be invested."
U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, NE-03: "I am deeply disappointed by the action taken by President Obama . . .We have the opportunity to take a conscious morally responsible stand to serve as a guidepost for future generations - to advance medical technology without violating ethical principles. Respect for human life must remain at the cornerstone of public policy."
U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson: "I disagree with President Obama's decision and believe more support should be given to research on adult, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord and other types of stem cells."
U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns: "I am deeply disappointed in the action taken by this administration today. I believe in the sanctity of life at all stages, and I strongly disagree with the President's decision to allow the creation and destruction of life for scientific experiments."
I'm still waiting for any of these politicians to publicly come out in opposition to the popular infertility treatments that create these embryos. At least, then, they'd be able to mask their anti-science attitudes behind some semblance of principle. As is, they've only proven themselves pro-hypocrisy. But, pro-life? Not a chance.
Obama also issued a presidential memorandum to agency and department heads throughout the federal government asserting:
The public must be able to trust the science and scientific process informing public policy decisions. Political officials should not suppress or alter scientific or technological findings and conclusions. If scientific and technological information is developed and used by the Federal Government, it should ordinarily be made available to the public. To the extent permitted by law, there should be transparency in the preparation, identification, and use of scientific and technological information in policymaking. The selection of scientists and technology professionals for positions in the executive branch should be based on their scientific and technological knowledge, credentials, experience, and integrity.
None of these policies should be controversial in the slightest. That this directive is even necessary proves just how far the government had come unhinged during the Bush Administration. With Obama's leadership, we now have a chance at renewal and redemption. For those who mocked his themes of "hope" and "change" on the campaign trail, Obama's just delivered both with a single but mighty stroke of his pen. |
