How to kill stem cells in secret

[Pab Sungenis]

We have a stem-cell research ballot question this year in New Jersey. It would sell $450M in bonds to fund university and non-profit research. Of course, the neocons and christofascists want to kill it, but this is a state where their usual arguments just won't fly.

They argued their case in court, appealing and appealing, and kept getting shot down. Polls find that most people in the state approve of stem-cell research and the benefits it will bring; we aren't buying the arguments that it will lead to human cloning and cause more abortions.

So, how do they campaign against them?

We have yard signs appearing all over the place here in Southern New Jersey that make their campaign tactic clear: "STOP HIGHER TAXES: VOTE NO ON ALL BALLOT QUESTIONS."

Cute. Appeal to their "base" by making it seem like the fiscally responsible thing to do. Never discuss the actual issue, because that might draw attention to it by people who would want it to pass. Just push a blanket, across-the-board "NO" vote and kill stem-cell research by stealth.

Very crafty. I hope it doesn't work.

[lonestarnot]

1. Any dollars going toward an effort of education, or did someone steal them?

[zbdent]

2. any ballot questions about police, fire, libraries?

Should put countersigns on the "yard signs" ...

"I hate police!"

[blondeatlast]

3. Counter the issue: How much money will it bring to the state?

Please keep us in the know on this issue. I've been advocating stem-cell research for over a decade now... (sigh)

Countersigns: "Stop libraries, schools, hospitals, law enforcement, firefighters..."

On edit: Good luck. SCR won't cure diabetes soon emough to help me, but if it keeps anyone in the next generation from experiencing the heart disease, TIA, and eye and nerve problems I've been through, it will be so worth it...