Posted on 12/18/2008 3:38:32 PM PST by daisyscarlett
US President George W. Bush spoke to the American Enterprise Institute, a Conservative think tank, at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in D.C. today and he also participated in a Q&A session. transcript
Mrs. Laura Bush led a video teleconference with the Afghan Women Entrepreneurs group, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington.
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PHOTO OF THE DAY
President George W. Bush participates in a questions-and-answer session with Chris DeMuth, President of the American Enterprise Institute, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President Bush, today, at the AEI, in response to a question about his stem cell research policy:
I believe in a culture of life. I believe a healthy society is one that protects the most vulnerable among us. And clearly, the most vulnerable among us are those who aren't born yet. Obviously, abortion is a very controversial subject, and it's one that creates a lot of emotions.
I try to diffuse the emotions by saying, look, good people disagree on the issue, I understand that. But throughout my presidency, I have tried to help advance the culture of life. And one of the really classic tensions between the culture of life is that with science. And it's -- Leon Kass instructed me throughout this process that tensions existed for a long time, and will continue to exist.
And the fundamental question with stem cells is, do you destroy life to save life? And it's a difficult issue for a lot of people. I came down on the side that there are other opportunities available to save lives other than the destruction of life. And secondly, I was concerned about using taxpayers' money that would end up destroying life. There's a lot of people in our country that don't want their money spent for that purpose.
I developed a policy which I thought sounded rational. And that is there have been some stem cells lines already developed, embryonic stem cell lines developed prior to this decision, therefore we should go forward with research on them -- but from that point forward, no destruction of life with federal money. Since then, adult skin cells have been used to develop the equivalent of embryonic stem cells. And so science has advanced, and at the same time, we were able to stake a claim for the culture of life. It was a very emotional issue. And that's what happens when you confront controversial topics.
And I believe the President should have a core set of beliefs and stand on those beliefs.
President George W. Bush pauses after being asked what he will miss the most about being President as he addresses the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008.
President George W. Bush gestures during remarks at the American Enterprise Institute on Thursday, December 18, 2008, in Washington. "Under normal circumstances, no question bankruptcy court is the best way to work through credit and debt and restructuring," Bush said during a speech and question-and-answer session at the conservative Washington think tank."These aren't normal circumstances. That's the problem."
Thank you.
U.S. President George W. Bush (L) answers a question from Chris DeMuth, President of the American Enterprise Institute at the Mayflower Hotel December 18, 2008 in Washington, DC. According to reports, White House press secretary Dana Perino said the White House is considering an orderly bankruptcy to deal with the ailing auto industry, although Bush said during the appearance before the American Enterprise Institute that he hadn't made up his mind.
U.S. President George W. Bush greets attendees at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, December 18, 2008.
President George W. Bush hugs an audience member after addressing the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008.
U.S. President George W. Bush walks through the Colonnade at the White House in Washington, December 18, 2008.
First lady Laura Bush, left, shakes hands with Afghan Amb Said T. Jawad, right, as they arrive to take part in a video teleconference with Afghan Women Entrepreneurs group, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington. Center is Georgetown University President John J. Degioia. 
First lady Laura Bush, left, waves to participants in Afghanistan during a video teleconference with Afghan Women Entrepreneurs group, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (R) greets David Welch, Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, at the State Department in Washington December 18, 2008
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks as David Welch, Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, looks on at the State Department in Washington December 18, 2008. Welch steps down from the State Department for the private carrier
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (C) poses with David Welch, Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, and his wife Gretchen at the State Department in Washington December 18, 2008.
Mrs. Laura Bush leads a video teleconference Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, with the Afghan Women Entrepreneurs in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. White House photo by Joyce N. Boghosian
President George W. Bush participates in a questions-and-answer session with Chris DeMuth, President of the American Enterprise Institute, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
Whoo hoo! Thanks.
Hiya Daisy.
Thanks for tonight’s dose of reality/sanity.
Condi looks chipper as ever.
W looks resigned to retirement.
God bless them both.
Hi and thanks for the ping
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