Senators (58 of 100) Ask Bush to Change on Stem Cell Policy

[Paragon]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=584&e=1&u=/nm/20040607/pl_nm/reagan_alzheimers_research_dc

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A majority of the Senate asked President Bush to change policy and allow stem cell research to better combat Alzheimer's the day before former President Ronald Reagan died from complications of the brain-wasting disease.

In a bipartisan letter signed by 58 of the 100 senators and mailed on Friday, lawmakers told Bush his policy provided "difficult challenges" to those seeking a cure for Alzheimer's and other illnesses. The letter, released publicly on Monday, echoed one sent last month by 206 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

There was no immediate response from the White House, which has placed restrictions on embryonic stem cell research and opposes using stem cells from most embryos. In response to the April letter, officials indicated there would be no change in policy.

The senators' letter was mailed to Bush a day before Reagan died, and thus there was no mention of the former Republican president who had a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's, which affects the brain causing memory loss, confusion, mood changes, hallucinations, speech problems and incontinence.

[wryter2000]

1. Ah-ha

Let * explain his "no" to the fans of Ronnie. Alternatively, let him explain an answer of "yes" to his anti-choice base. Check and mate.

[MidwestTransplant]

3. quite a pickle indeed.

[Cocoa]

6. I can't wait to hear the response

it should be worth a laugh.

[CatWoman]

13. took the words right out of my mouth!!!!

[louis c]

2. Nancy

Maybe Nancy, like Mrs. Brady before her, now knows who her friends really are.

[wryter2000]

4. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[Peregrine]

5. Democrats should introduce a bill

named after Reagan. Even put a rider on the bill naming the NIH organization that oversees stem cell research after Reagan.

Reagan's death actually gives the Democrats a few opportunities. Besides stem cell research there are relations with Cuba. Reagan's approach to South Africa (after he got rid of the embargo) was "constructive engagement." The Democrats should introduce a Cuban trade and reconciliation bill named after Reagan's South African policy.

[Hekate]

7. What a great idea -- I'm impressed you though of it

I detested Reagan, and even I would endorse such constructive bills bearing his name.

As for his widow: GO, NANCY!

Hekate

[sparrowhawk]

10. It is a great idea ...

and maybe being the inspiration for finding a cure for Alzheimers will be Ron (and Nancy)Reagan's greatest legacy.

[chelsea0011]

16. That's avery good idea. Better than repubs who want him on Rushmore

[pinto]

17. kick

[goforit]

8. These senators dare to combat ......el presidente????

What a bunch of slimeball weezles!!!

Stem cell research, eh????

But it's OK to to have sexual perversion policies in our
military.

[indepat]

9. Just the tip of an iceberg of issues on which this Administrations is

wholly wrong: and I can't think of one major issue on which they are correct, on which the passage of time will confirm they are correct, for their whole barrel of issues is rotten to the core.

[PfcHammer]

11. The irony on this issue doesn't get any better.

[TahitiNut]

12. Devoid of compassion.

I rather doubt even Nancy would be in favor if it hadn't impacted her personally. Self-interest on steroids.

[chelsea0011]

14. 10-1, Bush can't even remember what the friggin' bill is he signed

I'd love the media to start quizzing this clown on policy.

Media: Mr. President. Can you explain to the public stem cell research as how it relates to the rules and regulations in the bill you signed and rammed through Congress?

President Bush: Well. Uhm.Uhm. Uhhhhh. That was a long time ago. Let me think. Uhm. It's bad. Killing fetuses......for science. It's not sound science. There are lot's of strains and strings. Uhmmm? Uhhhh. We want to help people. But it has to be sound science. Next?

[DeepModem Mom]

15. Wonder if Karl will offer to change policy if Nancy will speak at Conv.?

Bush's opposition, for political gain, to this life-saving research, aimed at alleviating human suffering, is truly evil --

[pinto]

18. Rove would pimp his mother for a Nancy speech....n/t

[DeepModem Mom]

19. The NYT, in page-one article today, reported Nancy will not speak...

at the Convention, saying it was not known if the decision was hers or the WH's.

[pinto]

22. I bet it's hers (?) and a good choice.

[JoFerret]

20. All power to Nancy Reagan

.

[CHIMO]

21. Ironic

Not looking at any of the moral points or science points it hits me that this is similar to jokes in the former Soviet Union. There was always enough money for the prisons but not enough for schools.

[Riptide]

23. What pissees me off about this...

Now that their beloved St. Ronnie has died, they want to revisit stem cell research. I wish I had that kind of pull. My mom died a year ago from Alzheimer's at only 71.

I just hope that Bush goes along with it, so that I can possibly be spared the same hellish fate.