i am usually very loud with my opinions, but there is one i have kept quiet about. i dont know why i am, i should be shouting it to the rooftops. i guess that i feel i will have to go into a long, lengthy explanation why i feel the way i do, and i dont think i should have to due to some very personal reasons. yet, it is difficult for me to keep reading about it and not cringe. so, i am putting in my 2 cents. i am against embryonic stem cell research.

maybe i will be able to explain why after i take this step.

Hi Harley

You are a wonderful poet. You really made your self small and quiet with the lower case “i” and the small sentences – but provocative and powerful – leaving us hanging, wondering what was it that made her cringe.

Now, see what you’ve done. i’m going to have to think, really think.
This may take time. guy

Im not against it myself, but I have come to the conclusion that waiting for the political process to make it happen is misleading..Its always going to be a political tug of war between the left and the right, and even if we do get stem cell legislation passed, its progress is always going to depend on who controls Congress, and who the President is, as to how much funding will be appropriated etc..And whos to say that legislation that will undermine the research wont be passed down the road after the fact?..I think depending on the political process is a gamble at best

It doesn't matter your reason. You will always be loved and accepted no matter what opinions you hold. No one will beat you up for "coming out."

Vicky

Ultimately, preventing it here in the U.S. only prevents it here in the U.S. Our prohibition exports the ability to capitalize on it to other nations and we will eventually send our dollars out of the U.S. to buy the products of their efforts. This isn't a moral or ethical assessment. It's just a matter of fact statement that money rules.

Talking about whether it should be legalized or not is just talk. Sure, we could make a statement to the rest of the world if our nation's conviction were that strong, which it isn't. Unfortunately, much of the world outside the U.S. doesn't really care what we have to say. It's probably already legal somewhere and those doing the research will probably keep it quiet until they have something to sell. There are also a lot of people who simply don't care about laws if the money is good.

The real test will come when real cures appear on the market. Those with strong moral convictions may choose to remain sick or die. I suspect the majority, however, will choose to get well and live, because the instinct for survival also rules.

I think I'd rather talk about other things. I'll not post on this topic again.

By the way, I also agree with Vicky.

I am quite proud of the position the UK adopts on such matters.

Indeed we have now allowed the creation of human-animal embryos to be used for research.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6978384.stm

Originally this was opposed by the public however when the question was put in the context of curing diseases the public opinion turned to favour this move.

My concern remains, without the leadership of the global superpower, unregulated practices may arise. The UK has tight controls over escr, Korea showed what can happen when these controls are not in place.

Like "K", don't want an argument, and I respect the opinions of those with different views on the subject.

Each to his/her own,
Neil.

GO ENGLAND (rugby world cup, Le Crunch today).

this has been amazing to me. the support, comfort, links offered, .. it was very difficult for me to bring out the subject. it was buried inside of me.. as i said.. with a thick scar over the top. i have always felt uncomfortable talking about embryonic research. i just wouldnt say why.

i will not bring it up again. there is no platform, no preaching here. everyone has their opinion, and is completely entitled to it. i just wanted to state what mine was.. it was a hard thing to do, and you know something? i am now healing ..

yes, knowing what forgiveness is.. and accepting its truth is sooooo important. thank you..

How difficult it had to have been for you to speak of your buried grief and sorrow! How courageous and strong, though, you were to have done that! I am just happy that from your courage...and from the support and understanding of those here at the forum that you have been able to start your healing...the first step in that process being the healing of self.

Therese

Harley,

I was once told that it is so much harder to receive than to give. Our pride, alone, makes it difficult. You were brave, smart and courageous in bringing up the subject. And it was wonderful to hear everyone's encouraging words. I firmly believe that you are now on the road to forgiveness, acceptance, and peace.

And, Moose, my heart bleeds for you. It's hard for me to believe that there
are such cruel people in this world. It is people like that that gives religion a bad name. Any organized religion that would say that is not a religion. It is a dictatorship. I also firmly believe that unless you can QUESTION your religious beliefs, it is equally true.

And, moderators, thanks again for allowing this healthy debate.

It was Easter day, 1976, when I miscarried my child during my fifth month. I wanted that child desperately. I was at home when it happened. I watched the placenta drop out of my body into the toilet bowl. I retrieved the baby and sent it's remains to the hospital where it was inspected to be sure I had no other matter in my uterus. When I was asked if I wanted to know if it was a boy or girl I said no.

Any woman who has experienced the miracle of conception, could not justify killing their child deliberately. The woman who give their children up for adoption do so out of love for the child. Their concern is their child have parents who are more prepared to provide a more loving environment. They put their child's needs ahead of their own. It is called unselfishness, a word very rarely heard these days in this "anything goes" society. Those who insist on tolerance are the most intolerent of all. If those who do not agree with their views, their tolerence runs right out the window.

Harley, you and I share a similair relationship with our families, and you must forgive yourself for the choices you made as a young girl. You had so much pain in your young life. Maturity brings wisdom but doesn't condemn.

Love,
Vicky