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Hi All, Art Hirsch and his post "Allies" has inspired me to write an e-mail to a bunch of people (a few are on this List) who may have the necessary connections and pull to expand our efforts to lobby the Senate... The text of the following message went to a "Distribution List" I put together from my address book and from Parkinson Organization Websites. ------- Forwarded message follows ------- Subject: Federal Funding (US) for Stem Cell Research My name is Murray Charters. I'm a Canadian who has Parkinson's. I have no representitive in the US Congress and Senate but I am very passionate about Federal Funding (US) for Stem Cell Research. Arthur Hirsch in Texas has inspired me to write to you all. My friends Ken A. and Perry C. once said.... Wouldn't it be great if there was a national "Parkinson's Convention"? An event in which people with Parkinson's, their families, scientists, neurologists, advocates and professionals from all the foundations could get together and exchange ideas about living with PD and what should be done to conquer it. It's time there was... So, I have put together a "Distribution List" to kick things off and you are all on it... A "Distribution List" means you will receive Blind Carbon Copies in which all other addressees are hidden but I can assure you all of the "Parkinson" Associations are included. Why now? There is an issue of tremendous importance to us and to all who would advocate for Federal Funding (US) for Stem Cell Research. If you don't want to hear anymore, let me know, I'll take your name off my preliminary list. On the other hand if you know someone who would benefit and wishes to be included in future posts, let me know that as well. What is the issue re: Federal Funding (US) for Stem Cell Research? In January 2000 Sen. Spector put a Bill in the Senate S.2015 In April and Sept. there were hearings (testimony) to advance or oppose this bill. Sept. 20th. Sen Brownback filed 23 amendments to this bill and it is obvious he intends to block it in the Senate. Now the 106th. Congress is drawing to a close and this vital bill has not been debated nor voted upon and may be lost for another year if we don't get together and contact everyone we can influence to support this bill. This would of course include anyone with Parkinson's but what about the other diseases? What about Diabetes, Cancer, Heart, Spine, Muscle, etc. If you know someone then pass on this info... Time is running out. We rallied on the PARKINSN LIST the last couple of weeks, but I fear we are too small a group. Please send any idea we can use to express a larger leverage... Here is a message from a Stem Cell Advocate... ____________________________________ Forwarded Message From Sid Levin... Senator Trent Lott (Rep-Miss) has promised Senator Arlen Spector (R-Penn) that he will bring the stem cell issue up for vote within the month. Lott is very much anti-stem cell research. His timing is such that methinks he wants to rush thru a vote that would kill funding before he loses his probable lead. Specifically he is against the research using any form of stem cell from the in-vitro fertilization program. This is the biggest source of undifferentiated stem cells. This type of cell shows the most flexibility and the greatest life span. Adult stem cells appear to be more limited in flexibility and have a shorter life span. NIH has written a tough, but reasonable set of guidelines to prevent abuse of stem cells obtained from in-vitro programs. With less then one month left we need YOU to call your Congressman and both Senators ASAP. You can follow that up with a letter and possibly an e-mail missive. But the clock is running out. We particularly need volunteers to call in the Midwest where people like Mike DeWine (R) and George Voinovich (R) are vacillating. Call them, write them, electronic "massage" them, but do it NOW. Wherever you live, HELP! Sid Levin End Forwarded Message ------------------------------ The Text of the Bill will follow.... Best regards ......... murray ------- End of forwarded message ------- [log in to unmask]