You are against it....until something happens to you.
Published on October 13, 2004 By Ziggystyles In Democrat
I had to put in my topic...either Dem, Rep, or International. Im not really any of them...although Id have to say that for this topic...I am leaning towards Democrat.

Stem Cell reserach. As if we haven't flipping heard enough of that lately. I dont know what your view points are...and you probably have your own reasons. I originally was against stem cell research...the whole life being destroyed thing. Then I thought about it.

Scientists left and right are coming up with new ways to handle things...various medications...etc. The types of drugs we consume can come from the weirdest of places, that some people might have never thought of before. With that in mind...the cures for many of the current ailments of the world could be right under our noses and we wouldnt even know.

Here is my new thought on stem cell research.

I am still against it, but I am also for it. I don't like the idea of having to destroy a life (no matter how small of a human life it is) in order to do somethign with what remains. But if that process can possibly lead to cures for diseases, paralysies, and various other things...then in a sense...I think its all right to do that. Im not really ok with the idea...but if we can get some cures for things using that process, I dont see why we shouldnt go that route and try to find a cure.

I have a couple of friends in wheelchairs...one is a God-fearing tatoo wearing, pierced, motorcycle riding (true!) christian. He is one of the most intense people you would ever meet, always in a good mood. He works out every day to keep his muscles up. I asked him once why he doesnt have a ramp for his van and he told me...that God still lets him use his arms. I have another friend who...well I knew him for a while anways...he was a quadrapaledgic (sp)...only able to move his head. I think of the daily routines that both of them must live through. I dont know about you, but I wouldnt want to trade....I mean yes...Id love to see them standing and moving around, but at the same time, I wouldnt want to take their place.

Lots of times, we arent really for things until something happens to us. We might not be for "against drunk driving" programs, until one of our relatives gets killed by a drunk driver. We might not be for gun control, until someone we know gets shot. We dont wear a seat belt until after we get into an accident. When things like those happen to us...we then turn around and become advocates for the cause.

I believe that this is what happened to Christopher Reeves. As far as I know (havent really researched it either), he never stood out for people who had medical concerns...until he became paralyzed. When that happened, he spent much of his time fighting for research to be done to help people like him walk again. Are you for Stem Cell research...or against it. Could you honestly say that if you are against it, and were suddenly paralyzed, that you would still be against research that could possibly cure the problem? Would you want to have a shorter life span...stuck in a chair for the rest of your life, knowing that a cure might be out there, but people arent doing anything about it?

Like I said before, I dont think Stem Cell research is a good idea...but if there is a chance that people could be cured of their major problems and afflictions...then I think that for now...we should study and research them.


Comments
on Oct 13, 2004
Okay darlin...I have to...and I know we were just standing in my doorway discussing this, but, I'll post it on here, too (one of my high frequency words for this week...whoooeeee!).

1. This is a pro-life issue. As a pro-lifer, I believe that life begins at conception. The embryos that are being destroyed for embryonic stem cell research is therefore destroying human life, and I do NOT like that at all. Pro choicers are probably going to have a different view, because the embryo is obviously "property" of the mother, a belonging, not a person, and the parents can choose to do whatever they want with that embryo--abort it, donate it to stem cell research, or allow the baby to be born.

2. I'm not well-read on the topic...I'm too busy writing lesson plans, but from what I understand, there have been no medical gains from embryonic stem cell research. Adult stem cell research, however, has yielded some medical gains. I don't know what they are specifically, but...so I hear, anyway.

I guess that's it. I love you! Come tuck me in, dork!
on Oct 13, 2004
Ziggystyles, what you are experiencing is called a "nuanced" approach to a very complicated issue. Thank God no one is calling you a "flip-fopper" for having the good sense to see that most things in life exist in infinate shades of gray...and that God created all these gray areas. While I respect those who believe that stem cell research is a right-to-life issue, I don't think they have the right to impose their religous views on others especially when it infringes on the rights of others (i.e. the right to lead a healthy and productive life and other rights). That's not what our Constitution was founded upon and I cannot recall Jesus ever imposing himself or his teachings on others. He never demanded that we follow Him...He invited us to follow Him. The God I know is one of compassion and tolerance. The God I know is one who used the all the powers at His disposal to heal the sick and used His message to liberate the down-trodden from oppression...so why would He demand anything different from us now? God and science can co-exist but I do understand your dilemma and wish you the best of luck with your decision.
on Oct 13, 2004

Reply #1 By: Marcie Helen - 10/13/2004 1:17:57 AM
Okay darlin...I have to...and I know we were just standing in my doorway discussing this, but, I'll post it on here, too (one of my high frequency words for this week...whoooeeee!).

1. This is a pro-life issue. As a pro-lifer, I believe that life begins at conception. The embryos that are being destroyed for embryonic stem cell research is therefore destroying human life, and I do NOT like that at all. Pro choicers are probably going to have a different view, because the embryo is obviously "property" of the mother, a belonging, not a person, and the parents can choose to do whatever they want with that embryo--abort it, donate it to stem cell research, or allow the baby to be born.

2. I'm not well-read on the topic...I'm too busy writing lesson plans, but from what I understand, there have been no medical gains from embryonic stem cell research. Adult stem cell research, however, has yielded some medical gains. I don't know what they are specifically, but...so I hear, anyway.


Marcie, as far as stem cell research goes you need to read some more. Stem cell research of any form is yeilding results. Believe me when I say this is something I keep very close track of. I suffer from MS (multiple sclerosis) and would be among those to benefit from this.
on Oct 13, 2004
There are a lot of embryos that will never make it to birth in fertility clinics. Should they just stay frozen until they die, or should we try to use them to advance medicine? I'm not talking about farming babies for this.
on Oct 13, 2004

Reply #4 By: Myrrander - 10/13/2004 11:48:34 AM
There are a lot of embryos that will never make it to birth in fertility clinics. Should they just stay frozen until they die, or should we try to use them to advance medicine? I'm not talking about farming babies for this.


Actually you are! Those embyros in the clinic are no where big enough to harvest anything from. So how are you going to get them to the size required? I don't think you want to trade quips with me on this subject Myrrander. As I've said before, this is an issue VERY near and dear to my heart. And is one of the FEW places that I actually know what it is that I'm talking about. Read my post from above and you'll understand why.