by Fran Eaton
Emotions are running raw today concerning the debate over stem cell research -- President Bush's veto and Governor Blagojevich's in-your-face response.
A Wall Street Journal story featuring Republican 6th CD candidate Peter Roskam calls the stem cell debate the "Republicans' undoing." The story describes the public debate going on among area Republicans.
Let's get this straight, folks No one -- NO ONE -- is against stem cell research, not even the most right wing religious.
There's only one form of stem cell research those who believe in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death rejects -- embryonic experimentation. No one opposes cord blood or adult stem cell research -- no one.
If private investors want to pay for such a risky venture as embryonic experimentation, that's their business. Taking our tax dollars and dumping them into playing with the earliest stages of human life is offensive and should not be forced upon Illinoisans as Governor Blagojevich blatantly did again yesterday, bypassing the legislature and outright lying to his fellow Democrats.
Senator Roskam, I implore you to pick up the standard you've been proudly waving for so long and energize weakening troops back to the front. Don't retreat, or allow your campaign manager to evade the issue as he is quoted doing in the WSJ today.
It will be all of our undoing if the standard drops. Those who respect life in the 6th CD should heed the alarm and wake up.
The fight is now in your backyard and there's two possible responses -- fight or hide. Ignoring it will not make it go away.
