Stock

The House of Representatives displayed a rare bit of backbone today by passing a bill that would make it easier for federal money to go to stem cell research. President Bush keeps telling anyone who will listen that he will veto any bill that makes it possible to use federal dollars to “destroy life to save life.” The problem with this arugument is that is doesn’t mesh with reality, as much of Bush’s domestic policy does not. The truth is that the embryos from which research would get stem cells are those left over from fertility clinics. These embryos are unused and will be destroyed. The only difference between using the embroys for stem cell research and just throwing them away is the level of good that can be derived — none in the latter, much in the former. The other catch is that Bush has made no effort to seek the elimination of fertility clinics that are the producers of this large body of embroys. If this industry produces so much destroyed life, why not stop the destruction by stopping invetrofertilization. The answer of course is that religious conservatives don’t have a problem with invitro right now, so there is no need to pander to them by stopping it.

No doubt this demonstration by House Republicans is empty of any really conviction because there isn’t much chance of getting the 290 votes needed to override the president’s veto of the bill. It’s just an easy way to vote for something that has wide popular support without the fear of having interest groups breathing down you neck about passage of a bill they don’t like. It’s the best of both worlds for a politician in a tight spot.

[via NY Times]