Stem Cell Research - E mail today from DCCC

[Coastie for Truth]

Dear XXXXXXXXXX:

If ever there was a testament to the hope that stem cell research offers, it was the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of May.

Members of both parties came together in the face of fierce opposition to defy President Bush's stifling limitations. They understand that this research opens possibilities for some of mankind's worst afflictions, from Parkinson's syndrome to Alzheimer's to diabetes - diseases that have tragically baffled the best efforts of medical scientists. And now there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even if nobody knows just how far away it is - although a threat from President Bush to issue his first veto still looms.

Democrats stood virtually united on lifting the limits President Bush has imposed on this field. But the surprise was that 50 Republicans, who have followed the party line on everything from dismantling Social Security to gutting the ethics rules, bucked Tom DeLay and George Bush on this contentious issue. Passage of the bill has inspired optimism in millions of Americans whose families and friends might benefit from this research some day.

None were more inspired than I, and I wanted to write you today about how this affects my life - and invite you to share your personal stories. For the Republican Leadership, this is a battle over ideology. But for me, and millions of others who support serious stem cell research, it is a matter of our humanity - ending the suffering of those we hold closest to our hearts.

One of my dearest friends recently died of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, which causes fatal destruction of nerve cells. The slow death sentence that ALS gives its victims is brutal. The disease took away my young friend Tom's ability to control his own muscles, paralyzing them and ultimately making it impossible for him to breathe. Stem cell research provides hope for future ALS victims. Scientists believe they can use stem cells to replace the devastated nerve cells that ALS leaves behind.

With heart disease affecting so many of us in this nation, embryonic stem cell research holds tremendous promise. Instead of patients suffering because their heart cells are failing and no longer able to pump blood, new ways could be discovered to replace those cells.

And with regard to cancer, stem cell research has enormous potential. For example, it could facilitate the testing of new medications and treatments.

In each of these cases, stem cell research holds out promise. It provides hope to the hopeless that longer, fuller lives are possible.

For so many Americans who suffer from these diseases, or who have watched family members and loved ones suffer, the promise of stem cell research is particularly close to our hearts. Although we have passed this groundbreaking legislation through the House, it faces many more obstacles to come, including a potential veto from President Bush.

If that happens, we will need to find another 52 Republicans willing to put our common humanity above their party and the right-wing ideologues who control it.

This will be one of our toughest fights, but we have the overwhelming majority of America on our side. That is part of the reason that the DCCC and I ask you to share your stories. We need to demonstrate that this debate is not some abstract, ideological exercise. There are millions of people across our country who need and deserve the potential benefits of stem cell research.

The DCCC has set up a special email address for you to submit your personal reasons for supporting stem cell research:

[e-mail]

Let us know why stem cell research gives hope to you, your friends, or your family. The DCCC will review all of them and post as many as possible on its website.

Thank you for your ear. Now you have ours.

Sincerely,

Rep. Lois Capps
California's 23rd Congressional District

I am a third generation Type II diabetic. Research outside of the United States has shown promise in allowing transplantation of Islets cells for Type I diabetics and in reducing Insulin Resistance in some Type II diabetics ("Some" -- Because Type II diabetes is over 22 separate and distinct diseases with over 22 separate and distinct DNA patterns, grouped togeher with similar symptoms)

[Tux]

1. My mom

Died of Parkinson's disease. I'd love to see a cure or a very effective treatment so people won't have to suffer.

Why are fundie Christians so pro-disease?

[Coastie for Truth]

2. The "Flat Earth Creationists Pro Birthers" equate

therapeutic blastocyst somatic cell transfer with abortion.

You will notice that I do not use the phrase "stem cell research" I prefer the more scientifically correct "therapeutic blastocyst somatic cell transfer" so that I don't play into their little word game.