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re: This ongoing stem cell debate. While I am in favor of using stem cells and would draw my line to ensure the use of frozen embryos, I find it morally repugnant to argue with friends and family who have deeply thought and felt beliefs based on religious and moral guidelines. I don't feel it is my place to challenge those beliefs - and certainly not to try to move these people away from their own belief systems. What if PIEN, a group of real stakeholders, modeled for the country and the President a new way of framing and carrying out this debate? What if we convened a web based panel of patients, doctors, researchers and ethicists, a panel that is truly balanced. Say 6 who are solidly on each side and 6 who are ambivalent - to frame a document listing pros and cons, possible outcomes, realistic timelines. Their work would not be to challenge each other, but to produce a document that each side feels fairly reflects their own argument. Then we could all read this document, decide for ourselves where we stand, and vote. This is what, in my naivete, I believe government's role should be. I am distressed by ideologues on both sides threatening and cajoling, I believe that most people - and in particular all of you on this list, are smart and thoughtful enough to parse this information - assuming we can get it clear of passion and bias. Then, however the vote goes, I say we send our results to Time and Newsweek and anyone who will listen, and suggest that our elected officials try this approach with the people. Just a thought, Meg -----Original Message----- From: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Gerry Haines Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 10:20 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Why Lines Must Be Drawn Stem cells present a complex moral issue. Shame o... Finally a common sense approach to this issue. Gerry ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn