Stem Cells

The following comments were submitted to the National Institute of Health regarding their stem cell guidelines public comment period ending 5/26/09:

I oppose the use of federal money for the purpose of funding any stem cell research or treatment, both adult (ASC) and embryonic (ESC). While the only results thus far of ESC research has been the destruction of human life at its earliest stage, ASC research has resulted in the treatment of cancer, juvenile diabetes, heart disease, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease thereby improving the quality of life for thousands of people. However, federal money should neither be used to promote the former that seems to gather no steam on its own nor should it be used to promote the latter which should do well enough on its own with private investment. Congress' specific enumerated power is "to promote the progress of science...by securing for limited times...to inventors the exclusive right to their respective...discoveries." When Congress appropriates money from the Treasury for this research rather than promoting it through patents and such, they violate the mandates and limits of the Constitution to which its members swore an oath.

If you would also like to submit your comments for consideration, or at least soundoff, go to the following website:

http://nihoerextra.nih.gov/stem_cells/add_update.htm

or by mail

NIH Stem Cell Guidelines
MSC 7997, 9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7997

I don't think my comments will be well received based on the rhetoric and record of those in power, but I will speak nonetheless until they silence me.