I know this is a very hotly-debated subject, but I want to see what other people think about it.

I am all for it, as someone who has family members suffering from Alzheimers, Multiple Sclerosis, and yes Parkinsons' Disease, I do feel that it's important to try.

What about the rest of you?

I don't know that I've fully formed an opinion on this yet. However, as someone with multiple sclerosis, and as someone who is in the science/medicine field, I can't say that I'm for this type of research. I know the benefits from it, yet that doesn't make it justified in my mind (the same is true for me concerning animal research).

To me, their is no controversy with this at all. It is plain and simple. We have the ability to potentially alleviate if not cure some horrible disease that afflict humanity. How can we stand in the light of possible new discovery and cures to disease and ban that type of research?

IMO, the real controversy some find is within the notion of what TYPE of cells are being employed for Stem Cell Research. Many Pro-Life individuals are staunchly opposed to utilizing Embryonic Stem Cells due to the fact that it is life. However, I pose the question: If yourself or a loved one had a disease that would have been cured through stem cell, would your opinion on the matter change? I would most certainly think so because it is now effecting someone on a personal level where it could truly make a difference.

Imagine the possibilities that derive from Stem Cell Research. We could possibly stop the effects of individuals who have Cerebral Palsy. Regaining the ability to walk, talk, and so on. it could have a tremendous impact on the lives of many people. Therefore, unequivocally, I support all Stem Cell Research to its full capacity.

I have MS and can't say that I support stem cell research. Unfotunately it isn't all just plain and simple, and I don't think it ever will be.

For me, without a question, yes! Using embryonic stem cells that would otherwise be wasted to develop cures that would eliminate alot of current and future suffering, to me, is a no-brainer. Cure Diabetes, Parkinson's, MS, Alzheimers and more with available stem cells or throw all these available cells away. Humm? If you ask yourself which way truly serves life, to me the answer is clear.

And, by the way, I totally support continued research into the use of other stem cells and their usefulness. Maybe in the future we'll find other less controversial solutions. In the meantime, to me, it's unconscionable to limit the development of this research that could help so many people.

Why do you think it is not justified?

I think the controversy is pretty clear, as stem cells don't just fall from the sky. Even more concerning is the "advancement" of purpose-bred (for lack of a better word) human embryos. Science and medicine can sometimes walk a very thin ethical line. I do, however, understand why so many people are in favor of stem cell research.

It's very true it does, and I'm glad you responded.

I'm actually glad you all responded.

Most people I ask are very hostile, whether they are for it, or against it.

I think that most people (likely all) are against breeding human life for parts; there was almost no controversy when the bill covering these "purpose-bred" embryos was passed.

How do you feel about using stem cells that would have otherwise been destroyed? This is the foundation for the type of research that is currently going on with embryonic stem cells. Currently, would-be parents donate their unwanted frozen embryos to Universities and research foundations (there are always some left from the implantation process). I am absolutely in favor of using cells that would otherwise be destroyed to save lives.

And what about the newly proposed process? This proposal involves using a verification system that is already in place. A cell is removed from an in-vitro embryo (early on in the development) to ensure that the embryo is in good condition and can be implanted. That cell is typically destroyed after verification. So, this method would allow that cell to multiply, and then use those stem cells for research. The original embryo is still intact as it would have been for the verification and could now be implanted. Of course, this brings up the question of allowing cells to multiply although there are no plans at producing a new life. For me, this proposal is likely to add to the controversy, rather than be the solution.

I, for one, am definitely for embryonic stem cell research, though I can certainly understand that it is a complicated issue and that there are many opinions on the matter.

For all of those people in need of organ transplants, think of those whose lives could be saved if this research were to be used for organ reproduction?? My mother's family has a history of kidney disease, and I now have to witness an uncle (in his senior years, I think) die miserably from it! His kidneys are too wasted, and therefore he has to waste away. If only this research were on the forefront now! Me and my siblings may have to deal with this devastating disease (as my mom says)!

I hope we do find cures for these diseases through Stem Cell Research. I think of the people in my life (both family and friends) who could be helped through this and it is really worth it. As some people have stated above, when you yourself or people close to you deal with tough things day to day that could be helped, it takes on a whole new level of importance.

I still don't understand why Bush was so opposed to Stem Cell Research. Of course, we have to continue to broaden our knowledge and make sure that we are following a methodology that is ethical. It is really important that we look for all of the aspects whether positive or negative to make informed decisions on the subject. However, we can not do that if politicians continue to attempt to stop all research and inquiry into the opportunities that Stem Cell Research could present.

:amen: To that!! I wonder if this will get asked of Barack Obama whether he supports or opposes Stem Cell Research, when he's campaigning for President??? :blink: Yay!! Obama for President in 2008!!! :rocker:

Barack Obama does indeed support Stem Cell Research - in fact he was a cosponsor of the latest bill before Congress.

Here is a portion of his statement found on his website (http://obama.senate.gov/speech/060717-statement_of_support_for_stem_cell_research/index.html) in support of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The bill won by a healthy majority in the Senate (63-37) in July only to be vetoed by "President" Bush - his first and only veto ever.

"For these reasons, I'm proud to be a long-term supporter of greater stem cell research. While I was a member of the Illinois Senate, I was the chief cosponsor of the Ronald Reagan Biomedical Research Act, which would specifically permit embryonic stem cell research in Illinois, and establish review of this research by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

And I'm proud to be a cosponsor of the stem cell bill before us today. This bill embodies the innovative thinking that we as a society demand and medical advancement requires. By expanding scientific access to embryonic stem cells which would be otherwise discarded, this bill will help our nation's scientists and researchers develop treatments and cures to help people who suffer from illnesses and injuries for which there are currently none. But the bill is not without limits; it requires that scientific research also be subject to rigorous oversight.

I realize there are moral and ethical issues surrounding this debate. But I also realize that we're not talking about harvesting cells that would've been used to create life and we're not talking about cloning humans. We're talking about using stem cells that would have otherwise been discarded and lost forever - and we're talking about using those stem cells to possibly save the lives of millions of Americans."

As far as I can tell, the majority of Americans do support stem cell research. I don't think it's nearly as controversial as some of the media portray. The problem is that our "Current Occupant" (as Garrison Keilor so aptly puts in) appears to be in the hands of a small fundamentalist minority instead of the American people he has pledged to serve. As Senator Obama reminds us, we're not talking about harvesting humans. The laws in play have been thoroughly written to ensure that this very clear ethical line is drawn and administered.

I wouldn't at all mind seeing Barack Obama as the next president - although he's not my first choice of candidates. But given the current state of America's affairs, he'd probably be the most electable of the current potential hats partly thrown in the ring.

:yeahthat: :goodpost: Barack Obama for PRESIDENT!! :ilikeit: :rocker: He is so right on!! :woohoo: He certainly has my vote! I love Obama!!

Not sure if any of you may have caught this elsewhere, but I think I will keep my opinions on Rush Limbaugh to myself and let the rest of you make your own judgements based on this. It does relate to stem cell research.

http://www.thewbalchannel.com/politics/10152825/detail.html

Yes I saw it on the evening news. For shame Rush Limbaugh. For. Shame. That's all I have to say.

Rush Limbaugh is typically entirely off my radar. But, every so often, his bloated, bigoted blip bursts on to the screen and I am reminded of how low a man he is.

Rush is a pathetic a$$hat.

exactly. I can't believe that with all the "un-ethical" things that he does/did in his private life that he can still go on the air and talk about how unethical HE FEELS other people are being. Even if MJ Fox was doing this.. it's all for a good cause. He isn't exactly looking for "oh poor me" he wants stem cell research to continue and he wants possible cure for parkinsons and all the other disease processes that may be cured with the advancement of this research.

BTW... I want to know how much Rush really knows about Parkinsons. It's not always a case of choosing to be off of the meds.. There are certain meds.. the main meds taken for Parkinsons that REQUIRE a drug holiday for the drug to continue with it's therapeutic effect. I know that MJ Fox said that he was off of it by choice.. but still.. Anything Rush says is moot anyways. Just another blow hard.

I appologize if any of you are fans.

Am appalled by Rush Limbaugh's remarks on Michael J Fox's appearances in the political arena. I am a huge fan of Michael and am impressed by his courage and dignity in facing the terrible illness of Parkinson's disease. My own family has suffered with the disease and it is a hard rough road.
I always think about the old saying " walk a mile in my shoes" before making comments about something you know nothing about, Rush, talk less and listen more.

:goodpost:

The sad thing is is that Rush is such a horse's a$$, sorry, that he wouldn't be able to learn anything new. What is even more scary is that people acutally listen to this idiot (I can't even use the word "man" in this sentence, it is a blow to mankind!)

Yeah, I was really disappointed when I heard those comments. Michael J. Fox did an interview on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. It was a pretty powerful interview. The ironic thing is he said he did take his medication, but that sometimes it can cause the termors to be worse and more exaggerated. I wish people would think about what they say before they say it :blink: .

Hey, where did everybody go?

Didn't you all hear that MJF admitted to controlling his physical reactions by either under medicating or over-medicating for the purpose of making these political commercials? Rush just may not be so stupid after all.

And did you hear that the amendment MJF was advocating, he never actually read? It included human cloning. MJF deglected to disclose that in his commercial.

President Bush is not opposed to stem cell research. He is opposed to government funding of new lines of EMBRYONIC stem cell research. Private funding is permitted.
The research that is currently being conducted with embryonic stem cells has not given any promise for cures and has infact caused tumors in mice. Check out the progress of adult stem cells:
http://www.stemcellresearch.org/facts/treatments.htm

It only takes a little research to get the whole story before forming an opinion on this delicate issue.

Rush made a complete jerk out of himself. I saw the taping of his show.

How dare he dash the hopes of people with Parkison? Rush said racist slurs before. I can never take him seriously.


uummm...Bush had stated he is against embroynic research.

Here's a little article I found that describes Bush's opinions on the matter of stem cell research:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/07/19/stemcells.veto/

you can follow the above link to read the rest of the article.

Unless I read Bush's quotes wrong, he is definitely against it.

Bush is definitely opposed to Stem Cell Research. Thank you for posting that article CathleenSusan. I'm VERY glad that Michael J. Fox helped to endorse the candidates who support Stem Cell Research because the benefits far out weigh the problems. The ethical issues will be taken into consideration. Apparently it had a lot of sway because Missouri now has a Democratic senator, and I'm happy about that. You can see the effects of Parkinsons is really starting to become more of a problem for him and its great to see we are moving in more of a supportive direction of stem cell research. I don't think he tried to appear how he did on purpose. Rush contended the same thing and I find that degrading and wrong. Michael J. Fox is a courageous and upstanding citizen in fighting for the millions of people who suffer with diseases that could be cured through this research.

No, actually what I heard was that the medication to control the tremors has a delicate balance which is unfathomable to predict. It (the medication) sometimes reacts differently than expected.

Would you or (mr?) Limbaugh care to guess whether Chris Reeve was faking his paralysis when HE advocated for embryonic stem cell research? Maybe all those people in wheelchairs and suffering from Parkinsons and similar maladies are faking? Oh no, they might be acting, right? Or can't actors have sincere motivation for advocating this research? :rolleyes:

Wrong, IF YOU READ THE BILL for the Amendment in Missouri, one of the first thing it states is that it prohibits cloning of any kind. It says and I quote "No person may clone or attempt to clone a human being. "


And by the way, it was passed in Missouri.


Which I did vote for.

Thank you, Berkana, for voting for the Stem Cell bill and for your thorough reading of the text of this bill. Great job to you and to Missouri - well, for that matter, to most of the country for helping to guide us into a hopefully more compassionate, just and sustainable future.

I saw an interview with MJF after the Rush Limbaugh incident.

He was asked why he was putting himself under such stress, when stress could lead to exacerbations in his condition.

He simply said that the need for stem cell research was bigger than him, and that he has a unique opportunity to speak out and be an advocate.

He was so candid, and heartfelt. I find it difficult to understand anyone who questions his motivations.

Sadly, viable stem cells are destroyed everyday. But this fact continues to be overlooked because of the fearful rhetoric designed to give us pause.

I commend Michael J. Fox for his tireless efforts to keep stem cell research in our daily discourse.

Sk8888

MJF had a reason to appear a certain way for these ads.

MJF interview

But it just seems a little odd that he would purposely NOT take the medications that control this affliction for the sole purpose of showing everyone how bad it can be and without letting us know that is what he has done. That is like a cancer patient refusing chemo treatments to prove how bad cancer is.
These ads give the impression that he is like this all the time and I think it was misleading. I sympathize with his condition and pray that there are great advancements in our already promising adult stem cell research. In the future, I hope he does not compromise his health to advance anybody else's career!!

Supporting articles:
American Thinker
Weekly Standard

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/26/...in2128188.shtml

Ok I know that could it is possible that MJF is lying to Katie Couric and did go off his medication, but I have done some research into the side effects of a few of the drugs used to treat Parkinson disease. As someone pointed out up thread, shaking, tremors etc. are side effects of the medication. This symptoms do not show up because a person has stopped their medication. Here's an example.

Levodopa

Side Effects of this medicine:

More common

* Abnormal thinking: holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact; agitation; anxiety ; clenching or grinding of teeth; clumsiness or unsteadiness; confusion; difficulty swallowing; dizziness; excessive watering of mouth; false sense of well being; feeling faint; general feeling of discomfort or illness; hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); hand tremor, increased; nausea or vomiting; numbness; unusual and uncontrolled movements of the body, including the face, tongue, arms, hands, head, and upper body ; unusual tiredness or weakness

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginf...pdi/202326.html

Sinemet (Carbidopa/Levodopa)

This medication works by directly replacing dopamine, the brain chemical that is depleted in PD. The "levodopa" part is transformed into dopamine in the brain, and the "carbidopa" part prevents that transformation happening before the medication gets to the brain (which reduces effectiveness and causes side effects such as nausea). It is also available in a "controlled release" form (Sinemet CR). It is one of the most effective medications for relief of the symptoms of PD, bringing relief of stiffness, slowness and tremor for most patients. However, it may be associated with troublesome side effects (nausea, lightheadedness, extra movements called "dyskinesias", sleep disturbances, hallucinations and rarely delusions) in some patients, especially those in more advanced stages of the illness. An important question currently being investigated by the PSG is whether Sinemet should be given early in the course of the illness, or whether its use should be delayed.

http://www.parkinson-study-group.org/What%...%20Disease.html

Dyskinesias are defined as:

http://www.wemove.org/pdys/pdys.html

MJF was thinking of others who are afflicted, not the career of the others.

Well I can honestly say I'm ecstatic, that Stem Cell research was passed here.

I totally agree Berkana. I am really happy that my state approved funding Stem Cell Research from the government as well as an initiative voted on by the people last Tuesday.

I find this is always the case: Someone poses this question and finds out that eventhough I have MS, I'm not sure that I fully support stem cell research. And then that's the end of it. Interesting. My mom was just called a bad parent because she expressed the same view. How could she be such an awful mother and not support something that could "cure" her daughter, someone asked. People can be truly pathetic sometimes.

I'm sorry. I don't begrudge you for your uncertainty towards Stem Cell Research. It is something that is new and still in the works of trying to be understood in so far as how it could be employed to help people. People are understandbly hesitant about scientific breakthroughs because of potential ethical issues. I would never say that someone has a bad parent because they don't support a certain issue. However, if we do take the conservative route on this issue, we may be asking ourselves "what if?" later. What I support right now is expanded research so we can see if these possibilities and theories are correct.

Keep watching the news folks. More breakthroughs in stem cell research of the "adult kind".

Stem Cells grow new arteries

Vision possible with stem cells

Damn cellphone! C'mon Stem Cell Research! Can't post what I want to say by this phone!! Be back Mon.

If you go into the love, leave and toss thread, you'll be able to see that I've TOSSED Rush Limbaugh.

All for it, they have so many frozen embryos in warehouses that were just going to be thrown away. Why throw them away when you can SAVE lifes?

Plus, stem cell research could possibly cure my daddy and Elliott (diabetes) :yes: