Controversial science has a powerful ally! Barack Obama, in a press conference in 2009, pledged financial and governmental support for stem cell research. "We will vigorously support scientists who pursue this research. And we will aim for America to lead the world in the discoveries it one day may yield. At this moment, the full promise of stem cell research remains unknown, and it should not be overstated. But scientists believe these tiny cells may have the potential to help us understand, and possibly cure, some of our most devastating diseases and conditions.", says the President. He also added that "that potential will not reveal itself on its own. Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly research -- from years of lonely trial and error, much of which never bears fruit -- and from a government willing to support that work. From life-saving vaccines, to pioneering cancer treatments, to the sequencing of the human genome -- that is the story of scientific progress in America. When government fails to make these investments, opportunities are missed. Promising avenues go unexplored. Some of our best scientists leave for other countries that will sponsor their work. And those countries may surge ahead of ours in the advances that transform our lives."
These are some of my favorite quotes of Barack Obama's. I think they carry a lot of weight, and though outdated, bring up interesting questions. How acceptable is it for the federal government to back up controversial research? And when is it appropriate for said government to remove their support should the science not deliver? Personally I think it's commendable what Obama is trying to do. No progress is made without risk, and this is especially true for science. Many credible scientists believe that stem cell research is how we will make progress medically, and their opinions are not arbitrary. Let's hope that the Obama administration remains effective long enough to see results!
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/03/63835921/1#.T1gvpnKXTCM
Regardless of my personal opinions on stem cell research-I think it's awesome that Obama isn't afraid to support a controversial topic in science. In politics most everything is controversial, but science is often avoided. I agree with your very last statement, too-Obama's advocating scientific progression, let's keep him around!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic, in the political climate surrounding stem cell research it's great to have such a powerful ally.
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