...Like the infamous Terri Schiavo intervention by Congress, opposition to stem-cell research is an extreme extension of the "pro-life" position--an extension too far, in the view of many Christian voters. As former Senator John Danforth wrote in spring 2005, "It is not evident to many of us that cells in a petri dish are equivalent to identifiable people suffering from terrible diseases." Danforth's blast spread through Missouri faster than kudzu. So did his warning that the religious right had become a dangerously divisive force.
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Besides, when Americans think of isms, they think -- at least they think first -- of how liberals and conservatives stand on social issues. A liberal backs abortion rights and gun regulations; a conservative wants to ban abortions and legalize all guns. By that measure, what has defined conservatism in the popular mind over the past couple of years has been its willingness to enlist government to block stem cell research, stop the teaching of evolution, and supersede the duties of Terri Schiavo's husband.
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"Infamous"?! What in the hell is the matter with these people? Pearl Harbor was infamous, September 11, 2001 was infamous, the Holocaust was infamous, Terri's murder was infamous. There are plenty of examples of infamy in recent history, but Congress trying to save an innocent woman from being murdered ISN'T ONE OF THEM!
Thanks a lot for poisoning your party, your state and your religion, John Danforth!