Florida's Crist backing away from stem cell research promise. Gives in to religious right.

[madfloridian]

I was disappointed to read this. He is pandering to the religious conservatives on this, and I hate to see it.

Florida lags in stem cell research

Gov. Crist rekindled the debate over stem cell research in Florida when he announced a $20 million initiative to fund research as long as it doesn't destroy any embryos. Crist acknowledged that he might have favored a broader research plan, but he was taking into consideration concerns that some conservative lawmakers have voiced about the research.

"I think we can do it in a way that doesn't need to cause the angst," he said, while calling his proposal "a good start" on getting the state involved in the research.

..."But aside from the political debate, other lawmakers noted that even if the Legislature adopts Crist's proposal, the state is lagging far behind its other large-state competitors.

The Democrats in the legislature, via spokesperson House Minority Leader Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach, said Florida's effort pales in comparison in that of CA. Florida is lagging behind.

More troubling, he said, was the effort by leaders to limit the scope of the research. "For a state like Florida that wants to present itself as a biotech research capital, the idea that we would not allow is pretty bad," he said.

These conservatives who oppose stem cell research oppose just about everything anyway..they get "angst" from breathing the air that other less pure folks breathe. Somebody put the pressure on Charlie, and I'm sorry about that.

[madfloridian]

1. Just one kick for Charlie's disappointing sell-out

to the religious right who base their science on the bible, not science.

:kick:

[Cass]

2. I'm sorry to hear this. I thought he maybe was going to be ok.

What I'd like to know from stem cell opponents is why don't they enact legislation to outlaw the disposal of excess embryos that are created during the in vitro process? If this is all about respect for life and not destroying it, how come its ok that hundreds or maybe even thousands of these embryos are thrown into the garbage? Why are they not up in arms about that? I wish someone would ask them this question directly.

Its a shame their culture of life only applies to *certain* embryos and entirely ignores the born.

[hashibabba]

4. "I wish someone would ask them this question directly. "

I agree. It doesn't even make any sense and I'd like them to explain it to me, too. I asked a fundie friend about this about a week ago, but she never answered me on the particular question. Which isn't surprising. She listens to my political rantings, but doesn't comment much on them. I can only hope it makes her think for herself a little more.

[TZ]

3. Wow. Don't usually see this kind of hypocritical cowardice

until right before an election. Way to go Crist. No new Biotech for you!!:eyes:

[porphyrian]

5. And who is surprised? - n/t

[Malikshah]

6. What do you expect-- Crist is so scared they'll find out he's

another Foley (i.e. poking his eyes with those pesky hangers in the back of the closet) and that he'll be drummed out of office.

I'd love to have an *out* Governor, but as a gay man that's too much to ask in Florida.