Posted on 05/08/2010 6:25:36 PM PDT by Kaslin
It’s going on 16 month now since President Bush left the White House. Do I really need to say how much wished he were still there? I have chosen for the quote of the month the speech President Bush gave on May 24, 2004, because it goes perfectly with one of the photos of the month
My apologies for posting the dose so late.
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 24, 2005 President Discusses Embryo Adoption and Ethical Stem Cell Research
The East Room
2:07 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Please be seated. Good afternoon, and welcome to the White House. I have just met with 21 remarkable families. Each of them has answered the call to ensure that our society's most vulnerable members are protected and defended at every stage of life.
The East Room
2:07 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Please be seated. Good afternoon, and welcome to the White House. I have just met with 21 remarkable families. Each of them has answered the call to ensure that our society's most vulnerable members are protected and defended at every stage of life.
The families here today have either adopted or given up for adoption frozen embryos that remained after fertility treatments. Rather than discard these embryos created during in vitro fertilization, or turn them over for research that destroys them, these families have chosen a life-affirming alternative. Twenty-one children here today found a chance for life with loving parents. (Applause.) possibilities of science, and I believe we can do so while still fostering and encouraging respect for human life in all its stages. (Applause.) In the complex debate over embryonic stem cell research, we must remember that real human lives are involved --both the lives of those with diseases that might find cures from this research, and the lives of the embryos that will be destroyed in the process. The children here today are reminders that every human life is a precious gift of matchless value. (Applause.)
I appreciate Mike Leavitt, Department of Health and Human Services, for being here. He's the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. I picked a really good man to take on this assignment. He's doing a fine job. (Applause.)
I want to thank the Executive Director of Nightlight Christian Adoptions, Ron Stoddart, for joining us today. Welcome. (Applause.) I want to thank Lori Maze, the Director of Snowflakes Frozen Embryo Adoption program. Welcome, Lori. Thank you for coming. (Applause.) And thank you all for being here.
The rapid advance of science presents us with the hope of eventual cures for terrible diseases, and with profound moral and ethical dilemmas. The decisions we make today will have far-reaching consequences. So we must aggressively move forward with medical research, while also maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Research on stem cells derived from human embryos may offer great promise, but the way those cells are derived today destroys the embryo. I share the hope of millions of Americans who desperately want to find treatments and cures for terrible diseases such as juvenile diabetes and Parkinson's disease. That is why my administration completing -- completed the doubling of the NIH budget to $29 billion a year, to encourage research. I also made available for the first time federal funds for embryonic stem cell research in order to explore the potential of these cells.
But I also recognize the grave moral issues at stake. So, in August 2000 first -- 2001, I set forward a policy to advance stem cell research in a responsible way by funding research on stem cell lines derived only from embryos that had already been destroyed. This policy set a clear standard: We should not use public money to support the further destruction of human life. (Applause.)
Under this policy we have supported a great deal of ethical research. About 600 shipments of eligible stem cell lines are already being used by researchers across the country, and over 3,000 more shipments are still available. We've increased funding for all forms of stem cell research by more than 80 percent since I took office. A tremendous amount of both public and private research is underway in America on embryonic, as well as adult stem cells, and stem cells from umbilical cord blood.
Today the House of Representatives is considering a bill that violates the clear standard I set four years ago. This bill would take us across a critical ethical line by creating new incentives for the ongoing destruction of emerging human life. Crossing this line would be a great mistake.
Even now researchers are exploring alternative sources of stem cells, such as adult bone marrow and umbilical cord blood, as well as different ethical ways of getting the same kind of cells now taken from embryos without violating human life or dignity. With the right policies and the right techniques, we can pursue scientific progress while still fulfilling our moral duties.
I want to thank Nightlight Christian Adoptions for their good work. Nightlight's embryo adoption program has now matched over 200 biological parents with about 140 adoptive families, resulting in the birth of 81 children so far, with more on the way. (Applause.)
The children here today remind us that there is no such thing as a spare embryo. Every embryo is unique and genetically complete, like every other human being. And each of us started out our life this way. These lives are not raw material to be exploited, but gifts. And I commend each of the families here today for accepting the gift of these children and offering them the gift of your love. (Applause.)
Thank you for coming today. By the way, we're having a little birthday gathering just in a second for Tanner and Noelle. You all are invited to partake in a little birthday cake. (Laughter.) In the meantime, may God bless you and your families, and may God continue to bless our country. Thank you. (Applause.)
END 2:15 P.M. EDT
Photos of the Month
Laura Bush and former First Lady Nancy Reagan share a moment Thursday, May 12, 2005, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during the unveiling of The Heart Truth’s First Ladies Red Dress Collection. White House photo by Krisanne Johnson
President George W. Bush holds one-month-old Trey Jones as he greets the audience Tuesday, May 24, 2005, after remarks on bioethics in the East Room of the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper
Please wait for the all clear before posting or reposting any photos or graphics
Laura Bush looks over to President Bush during a Rose Garden announcement honoring the 2005 Preserve America Presidential Awards Winners Monday, May 2, 2005. "These awards recognize collaborative efforts to protect and enhance our nation's cultural and historical heritage," said Mrs. Bush in her remarks.White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush celebrate National Preservation Month by announcing the 2005 Preserve America Presidential Awards Winners in the Rose Garden Monday, May 2, 2005.White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush meet with Barbara de Marneff and Stephanie Copeland of Edith Wharton Restoration in Massachusetts, in the Oval Office Monday, May 2, 2005. The two women are two of the recipients of the 2005 Preserve America Presidential Award. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush discuss some of the history of the Oval Office Agnes Chouteau, left, and Lorraine Stange both of Missouri Monday, May 2, 2005. The two women are recipients of the 2005 Preserve America Presidential Award. White House photo by Eric Draper
Thank you for posting, Kaslin!
Vice President Dick Cheney, accompanied by General Mark Stogsdill, commander of the 94th Airlift Wing, addresses U.S. troops at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, Ga., Monday, May 2, 2005. In his remarks, the Vice President thanked the troops and their families for their service.White House photo by David Bohrer
Vice President Dick Cheney discusses Social Security during a Town Hall meeting at Campbell High School in Smyrna, Ga., Monday, May 2, 2005.White House photo by David Bohrer
my pleasure
Vice President Dick Cheney, Senator Saxby Chambliss, and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff listen as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent shows off some of the technology being used to train law enforcement personnel at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, May 2, 2005. The Vice President toured the facility, which provides training to more than 80 federal agencies, in addition to state and local police. The facility is the largest law enforcement training establishment in the country and graduates over 50,000 students annually. White House photo by David Bohrer
Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Connie Patrick talks with Vice President Dick Cheney and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff as they attend a briefing on the center’s operations during a visit to the facility in Glynco, Georgia, May 2, 2005. White House photo by David Bohrer
Vice President Dick Cheney and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff watch a demonstration of an emergency worker donning protective gear during a visit to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, May 2, 2005. White House photo by David Bohrer
During a visit to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glyco, Georgia, Vice President Dick Cheney and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff are shown some of the kinds of equipment used by emergency workers in the event of a chemical or biological attack May 2, 2005. White House photo by David Bohrer
Vice President Dick Cheney, Senator Saxby Chambliss, and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff are shown various types of radioactive sensing devices during a visit to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, May 2, 2005. White House photo by David Bohrer
President George W. Bush waves to the audience during his introduction Tuesday, May 3, 2005, during a Conversation on Strengthening Social Security at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Plant in Canton, Miss. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush leads the discussion on stage with Cynthia Roberts, a Nissan employee, during a Conversation on Strengthening Social Security Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Plant in Canton, Miss. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush hugs stage participant DeLois Killen Tuesday, May 3, 2005, at the end of a Conversation on Strengthening Social Security at the Nissan North America Manufacturing Plant in Canton, Miss. Mrs. Killen, a full-time dispatcher at the Union (Mississippi) Police Station, is not worried about losing her benefits -- which she relies on heavily -- but she believes that changes to Social Security are necessary. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush meets Freedom Corps Greeter Ruth Wilson at Mississippi Air National Guard Base, Tuesday, May 3, 2005. Wilson developed a leadership training program at Mount Wade Missionary Baptist Church in Terry, Mississippi, to identify and meet needs within the community. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush participates Wednesday, May 4, 2005, in a roundtable on Strengthening Social Security at the 2005 Latino Small Business Economic Conference at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. White House photo by Eric Draper
President Bush speaks to members and attendees of the 2005 Latino Small Business Economic Conference Wednesday, May 4, 2005, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. The economic conference brings together government officials, the country's leading Hispanic entrepreneurs and corporate America to discuss the most critical legislative issues affecting Hispanic business. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush host a dinner celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the Rose Garden Wednesday, May 4, 2005. White House photo by Paul Morse
President George W. Bush delivers remarks during the White House celebration of Cinco de Mayo in the Rose Garden Wednesday, May 4, 2005. White House photo by Paul Morse
President George W. Bush listens to a mariachi band perform during the White House celebration of Cinco de Mayo in the Rose Garden of the White House Wednesday, May 4, 2005.
Laura Bush listens to a mariachi band perform during the White House celebration of Cinco de Mayo songs in the Rose Garden of the White House Wednesday, May 4, 2005. White House photo by Paul Morse
Decorations draped throughout the Rose Garden create a celebratory atmosphere for Cinco de Mayo Wednesday, May 4, 2005. “Mexican Americans have enriched the American experience with contributions to music and dancing and the arts,” said President Bush in his remarks. “Latino entrepreneurs are starting their own businesses all across America, and are creating jobs and trading in freedom with businesses across borders.” White House photo by Paul Morse
As night falls, the Rose Garden is filled with the glow of lighted trees as members of the Marine Band serenade President George W. Bush and Laura Bush and their guests during a dinner celebrating Cinco de Mayo Wednesday, May 4, 2005. White House photo by Paul Morse
Even though President Bush wasn’t always as conservative as I wished he were, we now see his many good sides.
We just didn’t know how good we had it, until obammy came along and showed us—LOL!
President George W. Bush delivers remarks during the National Day of Prayer commemoration in the East Room Thursday, May 5, 2005. "Today, prayer continues to play an important part in the personal lives of many Americans," said the President. "Every day, millions of us turn to the Almighty in reverence and humility. Every day, our churches and synagogues and mosques and temples are filled with men and women who pray to our Maker." White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush holds hands with guests while praying during a ceremony observing the National Day of Prayer in the East Room Thursday, May 5, 2005. White House photo by Krisanne Johnson
The St. Olaf Choir, led by Anton Armstrong, performs during the commemoration of the National Day of Prayer commemoration in the East Room Thursday, May 5, 2005. White House photo by Eric Draper
I think he opened many eyes
Laura Bush meets with 17-year-old Farah Ahmedi, author of the book, "The Story of My Life: An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky," in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House May 5, 2005. In her book, Farah, who now lives near Chicago, recounts her life in war-time Afghanistan. White House photo by Krisanne Johnson
Laura Bush meets with 17-year-old Farah Ahmedi, author of the book, "The Story of My Life: An Afghan Girl on the Other Side of the Sky," in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House May 5, 2005. In her book, Farah, who now lives near Chicago, recounts her life in war-time Afghanistan. White House photo by Krisanne Johnson
President George W. Bush returns a salute from Brigadier General David S. Gray, Commander, 89th Airlift Wing as he and Mrs Bush board Air Force One before departing Andrews Air Force Base for Latvia, Friday, May 6, 2005. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush smiles as he offers congratulations to Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair during a phone call from Air Force One Friday, May 6 2005. White House photo by Eric Draper
Latvian troops arrive to welcome President and Mrs. George W. Bush to Riga International Airport Friday, May 6, 2005. White House photo by Krisanne Johnson
President and Mrs. Bush are greeted aboard Air Force One by Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga after they arrived Friday, May 6, 2005, in Riga. The President and Mrs. Bush are on a four-day visit to Europe that will include stops in Latvia, the Netherlands, Georgia and Russia. White House photo by Eric Draper
Waving to the crowd, President and Mrs. Bush and Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga deplane Air Force One Friday night, May 6, 2005, after the Bushes arrived in Riga, Latvia for the first of four European stops. White House photo by Eric Draper
,p> President George W. Bush and Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga pause for a moment at Riga International Airport after the President and Mrs. Bush arrived on the first stop of their four-day, four-country visit to Europe. White House photo by Krisanne Johnson
From left, Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus, President George W. Bush and Latvia President Vaira Vike-Freiberga adjust their earphones to hear interpreters during a question and answer session Saturday, May 7, 2005, in Riga, Latvia. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush Baltic leaders hold a joint press conference Saturday, May 7, 2005, in Riga, Latvia. Pictured with President Bush are, from left, President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga of Latvia and President Arnold Ruutel of Estonia. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush stands with Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Estonia President Arnold Ruutel and Lithuania President Valdas Adamkus for a photo Saturday, May 7, 2005, in Riga, Latvia. White House photo by Eric Draper
We can use some of that in this world of chaos!
Thank you. It is so nice to see these pictures. And even better that Obama is no where in sight.
President George W. Bush signs a guest book after Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga presented him the Order of the Three Stars, First-Class at Riga Castle in Riga, Latvia, Saturday, May 7, 2005. Established in 1924 to commemorate the founding of the Latvian State, the medal is awarded to recognize outstanding civil merit in the service of Latvia. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush meets with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga Saturday, May 7, 2005, at Riga Castle in Riga, Latvia. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush and Latvia's President Vaira Vike-Freiberga meet at Riga Castle in Riga, Latvia, Saturday, May 7, 2005. White House photo by Eric Draper
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