Posted on 07/08/2007 10:45:22 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
Homosexual advocacy groups are objecting strongly to President Bush's nominee for surgeon general, but Dr. James W. Holsinger Jr. also faces questions from conservative groups about his views on human cloning and embryonic-stem-cell research.
Tom McCluskey, vice president for government affairs at the Family Research Council, said that Dr. Holsinger spoke to a Kentucky state legislature committee in 2002 and "testified in support of loosening regulations around cloning and embryonic-stem-cell research."
"We're not supportive of his nomination right now," Mr. McCluskey said, adding that "we've been told he's come around on the issue, but the surgeon general is such a strong bully pulpit position that we want to be sure."
The White House said that Dr. Holsinger agrees with the president's opposition to the use of federal funds for embryonic-stem-cell research and cloning.
White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore said that Dr. Holsinger's 2002 testimony against a ban on cloning was because "he felt that the penalties proposed in the bill were disproportionately severe on patients and researchers."
"Since 2002, there have been significant advances in new techniques for potentially deriving pluripotent stem cells without cloning or destroying embryos. As such, Dr. Holsinger believes the president's cloning policy is appropriate," Miss Lawrimore said.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
It’s OK! Holy George just nominated him to take flak until he can find a mexican for the job.
These comments were brought on by Holy George and are fully deserved.
It is imparative the the Surgeon Gen eral, unlike a lot who have been in that post, need t tell the truth. This guy does. End of discussion.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.