Although scientists have concluded that embryonic stem cells are the best cells to obtain when experimenting with a goal of deriving cures of various diseases, federal funding has been decreasing over the past few years. There are three main reasons as to why funding is decreasing, all of which are associated with a governmental perspective. Primarily, from a governmental standpoint, the United States is facing economic issues which arise from events such as the war in Iraq and continual cost increase in oil. Because of this, more federal money is being contributed to aiding in the war and finding ways to obtain new oil (or even a new energy source). Secondly, although President Bush supports the advancement in scientific experimentation for benefiting the world, he opposes embryonic stem cell research due to his opinion on the ethics. He believes that embryos are living beings, so he feels embryonic stem cell research promotes killing, just as embryonic abortion. Although 90 million dollars in federal money has been spent for stem embryonic cell research within the past five years through the National Institution of Health, it's not enough. Furthermore, because of his beliefs, President Bush will do whatever it takes to convince congress members not to vote for funding in embryonic stem cell research. For example, he can veto bills regarding embryonic stem cell research, as he has done in 2006. Finally, since stem cell research is very controversial, federally funding in large amounts will upset millions of people who oppose embryonic stem cell research. This would be a political disadvantage because governmental leaders who support large funding will lose future votes.
I end this post by informing my audience about current funding. Although federal funding has decreased, private funding is gradually increasing. To view more information on the reliance and progress of private funding for stem cell research, visit http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=8205.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I think you have a few good reasons for the decrease in stem cell reasearch spending. This is not really a theory though it is just a fact. You are just telling us how it has decreased, rather than stating your own opinion on the subject. Also your last reason is kind of fruitless because if an issue is controversial, people will be angry regardless if their is spending or not so that is not a valid enough reason to lower spending. Besides that, this piece is well organized and shows how money and moral values hovers around every controversial issue
Your theory as to why there has been less federal funding over the year makes a lot of sense and is backed by the proper research. I think you did a good job explaining yourself about why Bush feels the need to convince Congress to vote against the proper funding for embryonic research. Whenever there is a controversial issue people with power tend to stay moderate so that they do not upset people and receieve the wrong image for themselves? What do you think could be done to make the general public support the idea of more federal funding for embryonic research?
This response is for "anonymous":
Wow! After submitting this post a couple of days ago, I thought I wrote a good theory, but now you've made me realize that I haven't really written a theory at all. I've just given facts to explain why funding has decreased. I see what you're saying about my last point. People would be mad regardless of political positions and votes.
Well, I appreciate your input. I'm definitely changing this title because it's not a theory. I'll have my theory post put up sometime soon. Thank you for your input.
This response is for hotshot:
Well, to start off, I'd like to say that what I wrote regarding politicians making decisions so they can look out for themselves for future votes is not always the case, however it can be a strategy at times. Politicians base their decisions on their cultural predispositions.
I really believe that if our nation is presented with all the potential benefits of stem cell research such as deriving cures from experimentation and analysis, people will begin to realize that stem cell research isn't that bad. I feel right now that people haven't taken the time to step back from what they "believe" is wrong about stem cell research and look at all the positive paths this research makes. Certainly, captivating the American public through the media (ex. TV, internet, etc.) will really make a difference.
Well said.
Post a Comment