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Back in mid August, I wrote a letter to President Bush concerning stem cells and HR 810, a bill requesting the use of federal research funds using excess embryos from fertility clinics. I shared the letter with this forum. See http://parkinsons-information-exchange-network-online.com/parkmail1.1/2005c/ msg00271.html Today in my mailbox was a clearly personally written letter from Marguerite Murer, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Correspondence. I didn't expect a letter from Bush, but at least somebody high up read it. An excerpt from Ms. Murer's letter said, "In making a decision on the use of Federal funds for embryonic stem cell research, the President's position was shaped by deeply held beliefs in both the sanctity of human life and the potential of science and medicine to help humanity. He has given this issue a great deal of study, thought, prayer, and reflection." A "Fact sheet" on stem cell research was enclosed with information on the President's position. It 2 full pages composed of bits and pieces from his website www.whitehouse.gov with this quote at the top: "I believe America must pursue the tremendous possibilities of science, and I believe we can do so while still fostering and encouraging respect for human life in all its stages." (dated May 24, 2005) This was the day that the President endorsed embryo adoption, holding up a little boy named Tanner, born from such science. Further quotes on May 24 were: "The children here today remind us that there is no such thing as a spare embryo. Every embryo is unique and genetically complete, like every other human being. And each of us started out our life this way. These lives are not raw material to be exploited, but gifts. And I commend each of the families here today for accepting the gift of these children and offering them the gift of your love." And what's ironic is I agree with him to a point. I have a few unanswered questions for the President on this issue. If there is no such thing as a spare embryo, why are these 400,000 frozen embryos stored in US fertility clinics going to be destroyed (if not "adopted")? Why are the "bad" fertilized eggs (embryos) culled before implantation into the mother's womb? What about all those embryos that don't take (as many as 3 or more can be implanted at one fertilization attempt)? The questions can go on and on. Bottom line is this, no matter WHEN one feels life begins (and I happen to think it's not a viable life until implanted in the uterus), there is a DOUBLE STANDARD and INCONSISTENTSIES in the present policy. If he feels ALL embryos are life, then there are a lot of lives going to be destroyed when they could be used for research for diseases affecting millions of people already living. The Senate vote for stem cell expansion has been postponed until next year, which is understandable with all the natural disaster damage. But let's not let our congressmen and people undecided out there forget what is at stake in this vote. For just a few of the successful studies using stem cells, read Rep. Mike Castle's, author of HR 810, letter of support at http://www.parkinsonsaction.org/castleletteronstemcell.htm Continue to speak out in favor of this bill - write letters to local newspaper editors - pass out fact sheets, etc. Your future depends on it! Peggy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn