On Stem Cell Research - Sound Off Excerpt:
I’d like to address Andrew Wellnitz’ letter to the editor. Maybe some day he’ll have to face someone in his family that could be helped by stem cell research. Then he’ll find out where his morality issues lie. It’s pretty easy to judge when you’re not in that boat.
Andrew Wellnitz of Edgerton wrote a letter opposing stem cell research and used his own interpretation of the U.S. Constitution as supporting evidence. However, our Constitution describes the creation of a “person” beginning with “birth,” and combines the event of birth with the place of birth to clarify and define a persons national origin. The “person” is referred to as born in at least two passages as well, “No person except a natural born citizen….” and “all persons born or naturalized….”
The event of conception is not considered in any context no matter how one misconstrues the Constitution or it’s amendments. Neither is fetus, eggs or embryos. Mr. Wellnitz ignored this entirely. He also claimed that the Constitution prohibits the use of spending revenue raised by taxes for these purposes. However, Section 8 in the powers of Congress does contain a passage which begins, “To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts.” While Section 9 – Prohibitions of Congress does not contain this prohibition.
No question our Constitution is written in broad strokes of understanding and contains contradictory statements. Based on religion, Wellnitz and many others have valid reasons to be opposed to embryonic stem cell research and although I am no expert on the Constitution, apparently neither is Mr. Wellnitz.
In a rather novel approach, Newsweek columnist Jonathan Alter suggests a pledge be signed by the members of Congress -- 37 in the Senate and 193 in the House -- who backed George W. Bush in banning any expansion of federally-funded embryonic stem cell research. I see no reason why this idea can't be extended to the millions of citizens who also support the ban. They could receive a $10 tax rebate for their signature. Another Bush taxcut.
The Opposition Pledge
“Because of my strong opposition to embryonic-stem-cell research, I hereby pledge that should I, at any point in the future, develop diabetes, alzheimers, cancer, spinal-cord injuries or Parkinson’s, among other diseases, I will refuse any and all treatments derived from such research, at home or abroad, even if it costs me my life. Signed, ______”
And finally, Mr. Wellnitz attacks another writers assertions that our current president abused his constitutional powers and has behaved as if he is a monarch. So far, at least one federal judge feels the same way.
One thing I do respect about Wellnitz and other letter writers is the fact that they stand for something by signing their name, that speaks volumes.
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