The Beginning of Human Life: Who is Bush Representing?

Jack Sisson's The Beginning of Human Life Blog

Many people believe human life begins at conception. Others acknowledge life at conception, but differ about when that life becomes human (versus an indistinguishable mass of cells). We hope to both start and then further dialogue regarding the beginning of human life. We have been preparing for this discussion since 1986.

The Cherry Hill, NJ, Courier Post ran this opinion piece on its Web site. Here's the beginning:

Bush stuck by his personal beliefs when he vetoed a bill last month to expand publicly funded embryonic stem-cell research.

Bush believes embryos are the beginnings of human life, and that it is immoral to destroy them. This is what happens in embryonic stem-cell research.

Yet, every year, hundreds of frozen embryos are abandoned and thrown in the trash. Is it wrong to donate them for research that could save a life?

Bush says it is. But he stands far apart on this issue from most Americans. A majority see this research as potentially offering cures for medical conditions such as diabetes and severe spinal-cord injuries. They want the nation to go forward with this promising research, using their money to expand this area of science.

The column goes on to say: "More than two-thirds of respondents to our recent informal opinion poll said Bush was wrong to veto expanded federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research." Today's question -- just who exactly is Bush representing? His base is getting smaller and not as eager to blindly follow their leader wherever he may lead. Especially since most of us have, by now, at least peeked over the edge of the abyss.

Read the entire column here.

Should the president follow the will of the people on this and similar issues, or should he do what he wants because he believes the people elected him to lead? What do you think?

posted by jt 8:43 PM 2 comments

Comments:

Bush is representing at least half of the voters in the USA and in particular the Christian right. How many people don't even vote? I'm one of them, but then I am not a US citizen - just a resident.

My opinion on this particular matter is that he is wrong, but at least worthwhile and valid scientific stem cell research can be conducted elsewhere in the world in more reasonably and ethically grounded nations.

Stem cell research is one example of unnecessary puritan values being enforced upon a politically divided nation.

Cheers
Ian

# posted by

Ian Hewitt : 1:57 PM

Thanks for your thoughts, Ian. I agree, except I don't think Bush represents half the voters. Last poll I saw, almost two-thirds of Americans support embryonic stem-cell research.

The Christian Right? Absolutely. He continues to court the extremists, but his base is dwindling. You have to wonder how in touch with reality he is. Do his handlers keep him isolated from the fact that he is so out of step with most Americans? Or does he know and just not care?

Scary when your national leader thinks he's appointed by God (or at least that God speaks through him). Excuse my cynicism, but I'm pretty sure God has a better grip on the English language, not to mention all those "values" this administration brags about.

Thanks again for joining us.

# posted by

TLS : 7:17 PM


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Thursday, August 17, 2006

Who is Bush Representing?

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