So, (a) Ron Reagan pretty much says "Vote for the Dem Pres Candidate"

[zbdent]

Come on. We all know where George W. Bush stands on stem cell research.

As of August 2001, his stance has been defined. (Starve it and let it die).

So, when Ron Reagan, son of the Republican "landslide" President (and nominee to replace Jesus as the religious figure), says "Vote for Stem Cell Research", he's saying "Well, you can't vote for George W. Bush, who tried to eliminate it. You may as well vote for Kerry."

I find that so amusing. Better than his comment about "a guy with my last name speaking at a Democratic convention". (He did say it properly, didn't he? Democratic instead of "Democrat", right?)

[genius]

1. That was the best way of saying vote Democrat without saying it

It was brilliant.

[LuminousX]

2. PBS pundits were saying this is the Sleeper Issue

There are a lot of 50-something people who have seen Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease affect their parents and they are now realizing they could be headed for the same fate.

[kwolf68]

3. Correct me if I am wrong

But doesn't Stem Cell Research hold promise for the cure of Diabetes? Well...My father succumed in part due to that disease and I live every day with the specter of possibility that one of my two children will get this disease (I do not have it).

If I think about this and realize a cure is potentially available to save lives, but is being held up by a radical, extremist "Christian" agenda will send me through the f***** roof.

Again...I am no expert on Stem Cells, so if someone could verify this I'd appreciate it.

[zbdent]

4. Diabetes is one of them

Of course, when Christopher Reeve starts walking like his digitally mastered SuperBowl commercial, then people will really jump on the bandwagon.

Of course, CR has the opportunity to afford it (I believe), plus, being a celebrity, he'll get a much bigger jump on things as people want a "star" associated with a cause.

Never mind that it will probably be unaffordable to most of the population that will need it.

[kwolf68]

6. Thanks

That's what I thought. My "Conservative" Wife is 100% in support of stem cell research.

She asked me why it isn't getting support and I told her the 700-Club types we blocking it up.

She said, "all it is is a bunch of cells...that could save lives...Aren't they supposed to be pro-life?"

Well, I will learn more about this issue and possibly advocate for it, because everything I do know about it suggests it holds amazing promise.

[spooky3]

14. please see the AAAS link I posted in a reply, below.

[LiveWire]

5. Fox was quick to denounce stem cell research

On FOX yesterday, they had some "research analyst" on saying that Alzheimer's was not going to be affected by stem cell research, and it had little use in preventing the disease. Im sure he can say that to Mrs Reagan's face next time he sees her.

[kwolf68]

7. ??

Alazheimers is caused by misfiring synapsis between the neurons...How does Stem Cell address this?

[molly]

8. Are they prophetic or just plain stupid?

:grr:

[Auntie Bush]

10. Stem cell research will do little for Alzheimer's... but there is

great hope for diabeties.

[spooky3]

13. The Amer. Assn. for Advancement of Science disagrees...

http://www.aaas.org/spp/sfrl/projects/stem/main.htm

"In the face of extraordinary advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases, devastating illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease, continue to deprive people of health, independence, and well-being. Research in human developmental biology has led to the discovery of human stem cells (precursor cells that can give rise to multiple tissue types), including embryonic stem (ES) cells, embryonic germ (EG) cells, fetal stem cells, and adult stem cells. Recently, techniques have been developed for the in vitro culture of stem cells, providing unprecedented opportunities for studying and understanding human embryology. As a result, scientists can now carry out experiments aimed at determining the mechanisms underlying the conversion of a single, undifferentiated cell, the fertilized egg, into the different cells comprising the organs and tissues of the human body. Although it is impossible to predict the outcomes, scientists and the public will gain immense new knowledge in the biology of human development that will likely hold remarkable potential for therapies and cures..."

This is why we DO research. Research has NOT ruled out application to Alzheimer's and many other diseases.

See also the many other links on the AAAS site.

[kwolf68]

16. I wouldn't say they disagree

While the effectson Alzheimers are more suspect, I will certainly admit research is needed to verify the vitality of the opportunity stem cells give us.

In the very least, think of the literally millions of lives saved or improved even without dealing with that diseases by virtue of waging war on other diseases and/or ailments.

[spooky3]

23. They explicitly disagree with "Stem cell research will do

little for Alzheimer's", which is what the earlier poster said. The prospects simply are not known because the research has not been done. This means it is inappropriate to say stem cells would not be useful for disease X. Please re-read the passage I cited. Certainly you have the right to disagree with them and have your own opinion, but let's be clear about the position of the AAAS.

[Justice]

19. Ron Reagan Never Said Alzheimer's In His Speech

and he previously said on Larry King that it might not help Alzheimer's patients.

[Mz Pip]

15. Ron Reagan

knows that it wouldn't help Alzheimer's. What these RW wackos don't seem to get is that Ron Reagan isn't speaking on behalf of his Dad's ALzheimers; he is speaking out for the people suffering from the many conditions stem cell research can help.


MzPip
:dem:

[hyphenate]

18. Well, it won't be at the RNC

because she ain't gonna be there!!!! Yay for small miracles. :)

[Bad Thoughts]

20. Didn't RR leave out references to Alzheimer's? n/t

[Old and In the Way]

9. RW Presidential politics thought this was a safe issue to be against.

They obviously don't understand the issue (no big surprise, they dismiss scientific knowledge because it conflicts with their religiously dogmmatic worldview). IMHO, it is simply another political miscalculation by a small segment of people who are scientifically incompetent to make public policy decisions.

[Auntie Bush]

12. "incompetent to make public policy decisions." That's our Bush!

[Anwen]

11. He was great!

It's really obvious who's side he's on. I saw him doing commentary on MSNBC post-convention, and he was really standing up for the Dems. Frank Luntz (sp?) was criticizing Ted Kennedy's speech for being "too negative, to divisive..." and Ron Reagan practically jumped in his face, saying something to the effect of: "What are we supposed to be, milquetoast!? We're not allowed to say what Bush is doing wrong?"

It was great!

[Kolesar]

17. Ron Reagan's presentation of the technical details was brilliant

That was great technical writing and he delivered it beautifully. His account of the young diabetes patient was gripping and personal. Ron Reagan for President!!!

[Bad Thoughts]

21. Good for Kerry, Uncertain for Dems

It looks like Reagan did a great service for Kerry, but his speech may not help other Dems win in November. Moderate Republicans could still come out and say "I support Reagan! I support stem cell research!" and get a boost out of the speech. Nonetheless, having RR speak at the convention was a big coup that will surely weaken the unity of the republicans.

[Leilani]

22. This is all about the few in the middle...

the swing voters, indies, unhappy Repubs, etc.

The stem cell issue is so important to people like this.

The are usually pragmatic, & banning research is SUCH a wing-nut position, that it turns off reasonable people.