OK, let me begin by saying that putting my thoughts and feelings into writing yesterday was very therapeutic. Thank you for your kind e-mails in response. I am feeling much better now, thank you!After re-reading my post, I realized that I didn't adequately explain the bill (as I understand it) or my objection to the veto. Here goes...
I understand that Federal funding on "existing stem cell lines" will continue to be allowed. The problem is, many scientists say that those lines are not adequate. Some have even used the word "tainted."
The bill would have allowed for Federal funding for research done on stem cells derived from embryos taken from fertility clinics, slated to be THROWN AWAY. (This, for me, is the point that nullifies the argument that the President has used for his veto.) I think that it boils down to an abortion issue, really. The administration and its core supporters do not want to set the precedent of having Fed. money go to the "destruction of embryos" (i.e. abortion, in their minds.) I can almost understand their reasoning, but the embryos used, the bill was careful to define, would have been "destroyed" anyway.
The bill would have expanded the number of stem cells available for Federally funded research. It had the support of some of the most prominent Republicans in the House and Senate.
This is my understanding, anyway...
Now, back to our regularly scheduled program...(I promise I won't take political tangents too often!)
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