[sinkspur]

Maybe, but that is not a reason to not do the research.

You obviously do not believe embryos to be human beings.

Since you don't, you're not going to get concurrence from those of us who believe they are.

Bush is only cutting off federal funding for this research. You are free to fund as much of this as your checkbook will allow.

[RJCogburn]

Stay with me for a moment.

There are basically two arguments that occur on these stem cell threads.

I generally limit my remarks to the first one, which is whether or not stem cell therapies might work in the future, whether adult stem cells or cord cells have the same potential in therapy as embryonic stem cells, and similar questions. I try to point out that despite assertions on all sides, we simply do not know and cannot know without research, which I advocate.

The second question is not a question of science,but of belief....are embryos people, when does life begin, and the like. I generally do not comment that as it is an argument more on faith and people are unlikely to be persuaded one way or the other.

President Bush has approved some research on embryonic stem cells, so it will proceed. I'd prefer that no governent money be used in that or any other research not directly related to the national defense.