As expected President Obama signed an executive disorder to allow federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research.
But in 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.
Of course the truth was that unfortunately the private sector could do all of the embryonic stem-call research they wanted. The only change is now taxpayers are being forced to be part of this evil.
It is a difficult and delicate balance. Many thoughtful and decent people are conflicted about, or strongly oppose, this research. I understand their concerns, and we must respect their point of view.
This is the tactic the President always uses. Just like a previous statement “understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. “Hey I understand and respect your viewpoint, but I am going to do it anyway.”
…I can also promise that we will never undertake this research lightly. We will support it only when it is both scientifically worthy and responsibly conducted. We will develop strict guidelines, which we will rigorously enforce, because we cannot ever tolerate misuse or abuse. And we will ensure that our government never opens the door to the use of cloning for human reproduction. It is dangerous, profoundly wrong, and has no place in our society, or any society.
Isn’t murder a “misuse and abuse.” The bit about cloning is a sleight of hand and you might wonder why he includes it in talking about embryonic stem-call research. Just like all the liars from the culture of death they define cloning as creating a clone that is actually allowed to live. They call this reproductive cloning. But so-called therapeutic cloning (clone and kill) will be totally allowed. Had to laugh at the “I can promise you” considering that he has broken campaign promises on a record pace. His only true promises unfortunately are where he promised to do evil.
If you follow embryonic stem-call research you find that the majority of the research is in clone and kill and not using human beings created via IVF. As I have mentioned before embryonic stem-cells have major immune system problems, that is why adult stem-cell research actually has lead to cures since they are using their own stem-cells. So using frozen human embryos will remain a non-starter unless the immune system problems are solved. Though that won’t stop scientist from continuing the slaughter of human persons by experimenting with their embryos. But of course for all of this rhetoric must be used to disguise the truth. If human cloning became possible than you could have a clone of you taken and then killed for the stem-cells. Cannibalizing your twin is such an appealing idea.
But after much discussion, debate and reflection, the proper course has become clear. The majority of Americans – from across the political spectrum, and of all backgrounds and beliefs – have come to a consensus that we should pursue this research. That the potential it offers is great, and with proper guidelines and strict oversight, the perils can be avoided.
True that many on both sides of the political spectrum are willing to overlook the dignity of the human person for potential cures. Sen. McCain an many other republicans saw no problem with so-called leftover embryos – but drew the line at cloning. An incoherent moral argument – “they are going to die anyway.” Well I got news for you – the same thing goes for all of us.
This Order is an important step in advancing the cause of science in America. But let’s be clear: promoting science isn’t just about providing resources – it is also about protecting free and open inquiry. It is about letting scientists like those here today do their jobs, free from manipulation or coercion, and listening to what they tell us, even when it’s inconvenient – especially when it’s inconvenient. It is about ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda – and that we make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology.
Pure scientism. No mention that science must be guided by morality. The above paragraph would have suited Josef Mengel just fine.
The President ends by bringing up Christopher Reeve’s once again. Reminds me of Sen. Edwards despicable comment the day after Reeve’s died “people like Christopher Reeve are going to walk again.” The new traveling medical show provides the same old con. Though at least before people only walked away conned, those killed in research can’t walk away.
12 comments
I wonder what Doug Kmiec will say in his next sound byte. What shade of rose-colored glasses could he possibly be wearing now?
The ONLY reason for signing this is because it allows the squeamish aborters and IVF users to justify their decision “at least someone will benefit by my actions”.
Well, it won’t be the person that is trashed for “science”.
As immoral as it is, Obama´s statement drips with the jargon of morality. I would bet that some ‘faithful Catholic’ of the Sebelius-Pelosi school wrote it for him to read off the teleprompter.
Is Doug Kmiec man enough to admit that he was wrong? (For the clueless, this is what is known as a rhetorical question.)
The tactic neglects to take into account that those whose views he “respects” still have to pay taxes to pay for these programs. It’s rather like the robber saying he respects the rights of the person he mugs.
show me how I can redirect my federal tax dollars.
Thank you for pointing out how dishonest the whole “I respect and understand your view” BS is. It’s like an abusive husband telling his wife that: “I understand you don’t want to be beaten, and I respect your point of view, but I’m going to beat you sensless and make you pay for the belt I do it with.”
Thank you for pointing out how dishonest the whole “I respect and understand your view” BS is. It’s like an abusive husband telling his wife that: “I understand you don’t want to be beaten, and I respect your point of view, but I’m going to beat you sensless and make you pay for the belt I do it with.”
Can we, as Catholics, refuse to pay taxes for the killing of human life? What recourse do we have?
Thank you especially for writing this:
This is the tactic the President always uses. Just like a previous statement “understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. “Hey I understand and respect your viewpoint, but I am going to do it anyway.”
People keep saying how RESPECTFUL he is of other views, but from the beginning his version of “respect” has consisted of nothing more than this. At the DNC, when Casey’s son made a speech, my main thought was How is this supposed to be better? Casey wasn’t allowed to talk. Casey’s son is invited to talk but no one was going to listen. I think not allowing Casey to talk was more honest. No one pretended to “respect” his views.
President Obama’s executive order has more extensive effects than increasing funding for embryonic stem cell research. The last sentence rescinds Executive Order 13435. What is Order 13435? It is the Bush Executive Order that directs federal funding to moral alternatives to embryonic stem cell research.You can read the Catholic Medical Association statement on this here.
I wonder what Doug Kmiec will say in his next sound byte. What shade of rose-colored glasses could he possibly be wearing now?
Well, if his comments on Kathleen Sebelius are anything to go by:
With regard to Secretary-designate Sebelius, I believe she is a highly capable and respected administrator who fully believes in the protection of human life at all its stages, and will advance that goal by working for one of the most important health reforms in our history—that, as a matter of faith and justice, will no longer overlook the needs of the poor and uninsured, but instead will ask the type of tough questions that will address billing practices and medical record practices that needlessly raise the price and reduce the quality of health care provided for all Americans. I very much regret that on a few occasions, she and her bishop have not been in agreement on what is legislatively possible and legally defensible in terms of life efforts, though I trust the Governor’s training and disposition as someone who has funded abortion reduction and adoption efforts and as someone who would only with the greatest reluctance disapprove well-intentioned legislation that under existing law, she has been counseled, would likely be found unconstitutional.