Question

If, as so many believe, embryonic stem cell research holds out such promise as a cure for so many diseases etc. then why does the government have to pay for the research? In a country that makes so much noise about the independent spirit of free enterprise why doesn't it apply here. I"m sure that A. G. Bell didn't say "if you will pay for the research, I'll invent the telephone." Why is this different?

Comments: 4

webster merle Oct 27, 2006, 3:00pm UTC

You make a good point, but, we must remember that eary American enterprise was heavily subsidized by government. Not to mention protectionist policies that nurtured our early companies and protected them from large foreign firms.

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Gary Jaron Oct 27, 2006, 3:16pm UTC

Actually the state of California has done something like this and put up a large funding to create a private & public venture into this research.

The problem is that on the Federal level this Admin has prevented research by making it illegal to get new stem cells material.

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troublemkr s. Oct 27, 2006, 3:28pm UTC

rated 10, just like the previous article.
universities do research on grants and then, if successful about a procedure or a product, they license this to private industry, allowing more funds for their university. so students benefit. and funding from the state or federal government can be decreased.

the stem cells that bush allows were contaminated with mice dna. this hinders research.

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Aileen F. Oct 27, 2006, 11:33pm UTC

I really don't get this, either. I am really amazed sometimes at how much we fight to prevent medical advancement. I wonder who has to get sick with what before restrictions will start to ease.

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