Nancy Reagan breaks ranks for personal cause

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/05/14/reagan/

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- When a conservative icon breaks ranks with President Bush on an important policy, it's not just news -- it's the political Play of the Week.

And that's what Nancy Reagan did in her recent comments in support of stem cell research.

In August 2001, after lengthy deliberation at his Crawford, Texas, ranch, Bush issued an executive order banning the use of federal funds to harvest new lines of stem cells for medical research.

Scientists complained that the president's policy -- backed by the anti-abortion movement -- chokes off research that shows promise of one day finding cures for diabetes, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and Alzheimer's disease -- the terrible malady that afflicts former President Reagan.

Mrs. Reagan wrote to Bush in 2001, saying she hoped sparing other families the pain she had suffered would be part of her husband's legacy. She allowed that fact to become public.

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they only start supporting something and not towing the party line when it affects them.

Were he able.

but also said that Ronald Reagan hasn't had to care for Ronald Reagan for 10 years.

Stem-cell research is so damn vital. Nancy, whom I always despised (I can't say what she is, but it ryhmes with "witch") is now seeing the light. Maybe for personal reasons. So what, though? Her support (maybe it's just lip-service, I don't know; she seems SOMEWHAT sincere on camera) will probably prove to be helpful. I hope so. My God, we need more stem-cell research, and NOW!

:hi:

The swine supports stem cell research because someone he knows has Parkinson's (I think that's it). Needless to say, he's not hot on HIV/AIDS research or reproductive choice. Pious, hypocritical son of a bitch...

Anyone remember a couple of years ago when the Rethugs snuck a provision into the Homeland Security bill that shields vaccine manufacturers from liability for including an additive that may be linked to autism?

Right around that time I saw Rep. Dan Burton on CNN blast the White House for supporting that provision and vowing to find out who did it. I was totally shocked, at least until I out that he has a grandson with autism.

As a parent, I would never wish something like that on anyone. But it's just so insincere when GOPers take positions on issues they normally would not solely because it affects them in a personal way. It's sick if you ask me.

waiting for the ban to be lifted.

Stem cells have miraculous healing power and should be made available.

I tried to raise this issue with the Edwards campaign. My daughter wrote him a letter and I sent a four page list of organizations which support stem cell research. We left it with a staff person when Edwards spoke in St. Paul. We never received a response.

I have been planning to contact the Kerry campaign. There are hundreds of thousands of votes (at least) just waiting for the candidate that is willing to endorse this. The Fundies who oppose stem cell research are not going to vote for Kerry anyway. He has nothing to lose.

research...

well, you will draw your conservative base and the reaganites..

and deal a crushing blow to the Bush camp..

good stuff..

support. Theresa could be the one...maybe-

Theres no love lost between Nancy and the Bushes.

We have an 11 year old daughter with Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent). I can't begin to describe my disgust with the selfishness and hypocrisy of the "Pro-lifers" that are delaying a cure. I want one of them to explain to my daughter that god would prefer that she continue to have about 2,500 encounters with a needle every year (about 21,000 since she was diagnosed) and "save" those embryos so they can be thrown away later.

In Minnesota, the House passed a bill to prevent the "U" from doing any more stem cell research, even with private funds. Fortunately, it has not passed in the MN Senate.

I could go on for days about this subject!

Thanks, Nancy. I appreciate it.

http://www.wgoeshome.com

most have empathy deficit disorder.

I have a mother with Alzheimer's Disease and would love to see the roadblocks to research for this and other diseases removed.

She's not my favorite human being, that's for sure, but I'll take support wherever it comes from!

Go Nancy! Just say no to stem cell research bans! or perhaps more accurately said, "Just say NO to jignoistic fuax-Christian piety!"

when they have an unwanted pregnancy. I wonder if they always change their tune when it personally affects them.