I know this forum is not about religion but I would like to hear and debate your opinions on various issues and things.
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In my opinion I believe that stem cell research should receive a large amount of federal funding due to its potential benefits.
@ Ryan,
Fair enough. However, there are many nascent biomedical developments that have "potential benefits." In an era of limited budgets, how do you justify giving stem cell research "a large amount of federal funding," and what other areas would you parasitize to provide the funds and why?
Why not parasitize sending 3 million dollar cruise missiles into the desert on a regular basis?????
I think the main point regarding stem cell research is that it should not in any way be held back due to superstitious beliefs. It should get the funding it deserves without religion getting in the way.
Perhaps that is the point Ryan A was trying to make?
The main point of this forum is to discuss opinions on current matters in a friendly and cooperative manner. I am merely stating my personal beliefs on these matters and wish to hear yours.
Stem Cell research has been proven to be able to cure diseases in some cases, keep people alive when they had no other options, and can help people who are debilitated physically. I am living proof... I am a recipient, and a survivor of 2 stem cell transplants...if not for those transplants, I would not be here today. To have these religious right clowns trying to interfere with these breakthroughs that can, and will save lives, is just disgusting... to even discuss it is maddening. So, let people die because you have some ridiculous supersttion with a God...will these religious people take care of my family when I am gone... what would THEY do if they were going to die ? ( I guess thats not an argument because a theist will say that they are going to meet God) don't get me started!!
That was me Ron, Reality.
I actually do stem cell research in my lab at grad school. I definitely think more funding for this type of study would be beneficial to all; however, just scientifically, there has been an issue with stem cells. So the problem I'm facing in my work, is when I implant encapsulated stem cells to a localized area to treat, say, a third degree burn, the stem cells will start differentiating into skin cells, blah blah, awesome, right? This brings into light the risk that these cells will divide rampantly, thus causing tumor formation. So, I do agree that stem cell research is live-saving, it just needs a lot more funding from the government so scientists can find ways to successfully use stem cells for therapeutic reasons.
Scientific research is what we need to advance as a species. In the last Fifty years we've advanced in a way nobody expected. We have discovered that man can walk on the moon, that robotics and stem-cell research may well lead to our thriving, or our destruction. Our technology has also given us a new standard of living (Indoor plumbing was not invented until the late 1800's/Early 1900's). To hold back scientific research is to hold back our potential as a species.
The same people who denigrate science are perfectly willing to have blood transfusions, organ transplants, take antibiotics and antiviral medications, receive vaccinations, and go to the doctor with every sniffle. They should put their money where their mouth is and just stay home and pray to their god. At least it would clean up the gene pool.
Hi Mjplatt.
Welcome.
Unfortunately some people do eschew modern medicine and defer to prayer, and it's usually their underage children or subjugated wives who suffer the unnecessary consequences.
Great post, Austin. The problem is that the theists want to hold back information that will interfere with, and ruin their " folly." They simply don't want to know the truth. They'd rather live in a fantasy world that makes them feel "comfortable." Why in the world would anyone want to interfere with something like stem cell research while it is a proven fact ( I'm living proof) that it will save lives?? The theists also want to close their childrens minds in many cases by home schooling them so they are not taught about evolution...how sick is that?!! Just keep the kids in the " dark" about any other thoughts, or possibilities- which is wrong when it comes to anything- ( evolution is not a possibility, it is a FACT) BECAUSE THEY ARE AFRAID THAT THE KIDS WILL PUT 2 AND 2 TOGETHER when they are old enough to think for themselves, and ruin the "fantasy." Kind of like Santa Clauss, and the Easter Bunny, when we were growing up. Sad