One thing I don't get about stem cell research...

[Jackpine Radical]

I can understand (sort of) the argument against embryonic stem cells, but there seems to be a general opposition to this type of research no matter what the source of the stem cells, even from cloning. What is the hidden agenda here? Whad do the RW, of the fundie types in general, REALLY have against stem cell research? Or is it just another wedge issue they find useful as a tool for flogging their followers into a frenzy, like abortion, Islam & homosexuality?

[wryter2000]

1. They seem to be in favor of using adult stem cells

At least, that was what I heard the Congresscritters saying the other day.

IMHO, they want to eliminate any kind of reproductive technology. If they manage to outlaw abortion, they'll go after contraception. It's anti-sex, period. So, the only sex allowed will be sex for procreation.

[Warpy]

2. You answered your own question with that last sentence.

Remember, the movers and shakers are rich men. They can hop on a private jet and go to a civilized country that offers cures developed from stem cells whenever they need to. Pushing this country into a new dark age of ignorance, superstition, fear, and hostility to any intellectual pursuit is simply politically expedient.

They are scum, and this is war.

[undeterred]

3. It doesn't cost them a thing to take this position

It is generally consistent with a pro-life position so it allows them to maintain their holier than thou self-image. Being anti-war is also a pro-life position, but that would cost them way too much.

Talk is the cheapest thing in the world.

[havocmom]

4. Someone here suggested yesterday that the pharmaceutical industry has

a big interest the issue. Made sense. If stem cell research leads to the wonderful help for many conditions researchers feel it will, Big Pharm will be out big bucks on the pills it sells now. Think about that for just a moment.

Then think how the corporatists' political puppets have wielded the fundy right like a weapon to get what they want. Getting the religious right all revved up and pumping does their dirty work for them and gives them cover for true motives.

It makes a lot of sense. They make big bucks selling hope in a bottle. Stem cell research could solve a lot of problems in the near future. It is just more profitable to let people suffer and rely on Rx.

[TornadoTN]

5. Ding! Ding! We have a winner!

This is where the stem cell debate begins and ends: Big Pharma.

I don't care how much theology they throw out, it all has to do with money. The Republicans would damn their mothers to hell for eternity if it meant preserving their power which is controlled by corporate influence.

[G2099]

6. There are Big Bucks to be made in Curing disease

If a few stem cells can cure most diseases than what do we need the big American corporate Drug companies for?

[EC]

7. They don't want money making illnesses cured

too much invested in cancer, diabetes, etc...

[Zookeeper]

8. There is a hard core group that is basically anti-science...

they think any messing about with human cells, embryos, blastocysts, whatever is playing god, unless it results in the birth of a perfect white baby.

CLONING, is what really freaks them out. My daughter (with Type 1 diabetes) and I were demonstrating against Bush when he was here last fall. She was holding a sign that said, "Support Stem Cell Research," and as the Bushites came streaming out of the arena they were very rude to her, including one woman who blew cigarette smoke directly into her face (she was 12 at the time). One Rethuglican woman and her young daughter approached us and started, in a very patronizing tone, to question what I knew about stem cell research. After a couple of exchanges, she said, "Well, you know it's CLONING!" Soon after, I ended the conversation by saying, "When YOUR child develops diabetes, then come talk to me!"

As far as the politicians, you are absolutely right. It's a wedge issue useful for pandering to the Christian right-wing crazies.