President Bush is a man who
sticks to his word and is afraid to offend the religious
right. His first veto, opposing the use of embryonic
stem cells slated for destruction for research, is a
denial of what many Americans favor. His veto is another
raspberry at common sense, demonstrating how his
personal religious beliefs can control the government.
These are cells that will not be used, and the
parents have to give permission for their destruction.
Additionally, a majority of the parents have given
permission to use the cells for research.
This setback for federally funded stem-cell research
leaves a substantial hole in the future for curing
diseases that threaten millions. As scientists try other
methods with stem cells allowed by the law, the
frustration of those who could benefit from the
regenerative properties of stem cells continues.
This veto has also caused a schism in the Republican
Party, as more members are aging and realize how
important embryonic stem-cell research is. The baby
boomers are crying for Bush to change his mind, as they,
too, are beginning to suffer from diseases and traumas
that stem cells might cure.
But those of us who have been living with
disabilities have been waiting much longer. When federal
funding for stem-cell research was given the green
light, there was hope that certain diseases and
spinal-cord injuries would be a thing of the past.
But that hope soured as scientists realized the
stem-cell lines Bush approved weren't nearly enough to
do the kind of research they'd hoped for. Many
scientists already knew the existing lines were tapped
out and began searching for alternate ways to accomplish
medical breakthroughs that embryonic stem cells offered.
Nearly half the Republican Party is having a cow,
because it's re-election time in just four short months,
and this issue could be the linchpin of its success - or
disaster. Democrats are rubbing their hands like little
flies, hoping Bush will make another selfish decision,
or at least make another religious-based goof at a
political shindig. Democrats are using this veto and the
debacle of the Terri Schiavo right-to-die case to show
Republicans have no regard for the rights of the living
and that Republicans' dedication is to the religious
right. Democratic Rep. Edward Marky of Massachusetts
summed up Bush's veto this way: "This will be
remembered as a Luddite moment in American
history."
The founding fathers made a point that church and
state should never meet in the creation of federal laws.
Bush ignores this openly, spouting religious rhetoric in
defense of his lack of vision and courage.
Changing one's mind can be a sign of strength, not
weakness. Bush is wrong, and the sick and disabled will
continue to suffer for it.
McKee, a wheelchair user, is a freelance writer
and producer. You can e-mail her at chairgrrl@chairgrrl.com.
