Replies

Maybe you don't read very many articles about the politics of embryonic stem cell research. The terms "stem cell research" and "embryonic stem cell research" are used interchangeably, as though they mean the same thing. Pro-lifers are said to oppose stem cell research, when in fact, we support it. The left wing media tries to convince their subscribers that it's all the same.

Here's a quick example for you.

Challenges of stem-cell research
Advocates of stem-cell research must be vigilant if they wish to keep a narrow, ostensibly "pro-life" agenda from impeding scientific progress. In late 2004, a broad array of experts met in Cambridge to identify ways to advance embryonic stem-cell research. Some have been implemented -- including state-by-state legislation to encourage research, and education campaigns that humanize diseases that might respond to stem-cell treatment.

Granted, that's not a typical example. Most articles supporting embryonic stem cell research never mention embryos, or any form of the word. This one uses both terms interchangeably.

Here's another example:

South Is Limiting the GOP
Following the gospel according to Rove (fear not swing voters but pander to and mobilize thy base), George W. Bush and the Republican Congress, together or separately, had already blocked stem cell research...

Without going into detail on other inconvenient facts (like they didn't block any research, not even embryonic stem cell research), the author's complaint is related to embryonic stem cell research funds, not all stem cell research, regardless of source of cells and source of funding. Just lump it all together. The readers will never notice.

Another:

Pro-life policies the focus: DLP
Mr Mulholland said its priority was to focus on opposing the decriminalisation of abortion, stem cell research and euthanasia.

I sincerely doubt he wants stem cell research to be a criminal offense, but that's what the article says.

Another:

RELIGION-THE ENEMY OF SOCIETY
At present, we incessantly hear the Vatican and other Christian organizations arguing against stem cell research and other technologies.

And another:

Election Postgame from the Technoprogressive Perspective
I have already argued that technoprogressive topics and positions assumed a real force in mainstream political life this election cycle, with targeted initiatives on stem-cell research funding...

He's talking about embryonic stem cell research funding, but he carefully omits the word "embryonic."

My point is that the left wing media makes no distinction between embryonic stem cells, umbilical cord stem cells, and adult stem cells. They tell their readers, viewers and listeners that the conservative Christian pro-life nut jobs oppose all stem cell research, implying that even the conservative Christian pro-life nut jobs concede that all stem cells are alike. I'd still like to know how many of their consumers believe their lies.