The federal government currently denies federal funding to any research institution that engages in stem cell research. Almost all research institutions in this country receive some funding from the federal government. Consequently, while current federal law does not "outlaw" stem cell research, it sure makes it difficult. For example, federal funding for some "permissible" type of research frees up money for the research facility to pay for lights which would illuminate the stem cell research lab -- this type of entanglement is not permitted. Thus, reseach facilities that receive federal funding of any nature for any type of project have a very difficult time pursuing any embryonic stem cell project.

I am sick and tired of the misdirection of conservatives about critical arguments. I am sick of the code words, the catch phrases, the talking points and the spin.

I agree wholeheartedly with "chasa". So in the interest of plain spokenness and dealing in the truth, let's call this charade by Republicans what it really is.

When they talk about "Lower Taxes", they mean on those at or near the top of the income tier. Buckets of money for them, a few bucks, (maybe the cost of a coffee at Starbucks) for the rest of us.

When they say "lower government spending", they mean things like schools, health care, public safety, and social services get the ax. And your property tax, excise tax, and "user fees" goes up. A bigger check to write for the rest of us.

When they say "patriotism" they mean unthinking and unquestioning support of the president and US policy even when it is manifestly incorrect, incompetent, and horribly ineffective.

When they say "liberal", they mean anyone who thinks the rule of law should be observed and that America should actually try to live up to its promise of fairness and equality and freedom for all people. They actually do mean to discriminate and exclude certain kinds of people. That would mean, effectively, the rest of us.

When they say "free trade" and "free markets", they mean UNREGULATED markets and UNREGULATED trade. They mean NO RULES, NO BOUNDARIES, NO ACCOUNTABLITY, and NO PENALTY for breaking the law. The only thing that counts is what's going to make the most money for those at the top, usually at the expense of workers and the environment. Hence, offshoring and outsourcing, and downsizing.

And finally when they say, "We share your values", they mean the mean-spirited ones of intolerance, bigotry, and xenophobia.

When in the last six years have you heard anyone in that camp talk about doing something because it's the right thing to do? Bill Clinton had his issues to be sure, but he did more of the thing that was right because, as he said, "It's the right thing to do." I will fall over in a dead faint, I will check the temperature of hell the day I hear Bush Jr. say something like that. Don't let's be fooled anymore by conservative DOUBLE TALK.

Bush has created an enormous deficit, I think that whole thing, what was it, oh yeah the Iraq war has caused enormous spending. Meanwhile taxes have been lowered, on the top 1%; meanwhile they have actually been raised on those younger than 18. Because yeah, minors have all of the cash. But that isnt really the point of your argument is it? In fact stem cell research doesn't seem to be the point, tort reform does.

I know torts get a bad name in the press, and I think you probably work for someeone who has gotten sued or i just obsessed with Edwards, but torts are important. When companies seriously malpractice there needs to be retribution, and punitive damages often hurt companies where it hurts, the pocket.

Companies have shown themselves to knowingly do things that are negligent are just outright dangerous to people; yet they do them because it is more profitable. I am not a lawyer, that is not where my perspective comes from, I am just someone who seriously fears a day when there is no recourse possible, at least there is a little now. Companies can control the government, they have the money, the clout, the ability to get votes and laws passed that do not benefit the people; just look at the USDA. IF people lose their rights to hit the companies where it hurts, we will be in for a rude awakening. A day where people can get injured and not receive enough money to live a normal life after those injuries. If you want to see what thats like look at the meatpacking industry, or the fast food industry. Well thats it about Elephantman's comments, sorry for going off topic, as stem cell research is certainly a passion of mine, but his comments were hitting a nerve.

I have heard many journalists repeat the GOP claim that the marriage amendments in several states in 2004 brought more right wing voters to the ballot boxes, yet I have NEVER seen any evidence of this claim.

I think it does a disservice to those of us who want to read FACTS in lieu of assumptions or assertions from one side or the other.

Where is the proof that Bush was reelected due to marriage amendments being on the ballots of these states? How can one make this claim based on claims from the administration itself?

Seems to me it only causes the Democrats in politics to feel afraid of doing what is right, that is standing up to equality for ALL Americans, including LGBT Americans.

And this is a lame attempt to blame gays for the lack of cohesive platforms and consistency in the Democratic party.

I am not to blame for Kerry's loss to Bush!

Regarding the proposed ban on gay marriage, didn't this nation as a whole already banish Jim Crow laws and decide we wouldn't discriminate against minorites a few decades ago? Legislating the approval of discrimination would be a terrible step backwards for our country.

It was the so-called "fetal pain" bill.

Here in Wisconsin I am so grateful for some of his vetoes. Needless to say, he has my vote in November.

I do hope that Wisconsin can be the first state to vote down the anti-gay marriage amendment. We have the best chance of any state so far.