Frist Changes Stripes on Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Here is a NY Times article on Sen. Majority Leader Bill Frist's departure from President Bush on embryonic stem cell research.

"While human embryonic stem cell research is still at a very early stage, the limitations put in place in 2001 will, over time, slow our ability to bring potential new treatments for certain diseases," Mr. Frist says, according to a text of the speech provided by his office Thursday evening. "Therefore, I believe the president's policy should be modified."

And:

The move could also have implications for Mr. Frist's political future. The senator is widely considered a potential candidate for the presidency in 2008, and supporting an expansion of the policy will put him at odds not only with the White House but also with Christian conservatives, whose support he will need in the race for the Republican nomination. But the decision could also help him win support among centrists.

"I am pro-life," Mr. Frist says in the speech, arguing that he can reconcile his support for the science with his own Christian faith. "I believe human life begins at conception." But at the same time, he says, "I also believe that embryonic stem cell research should be encouraged and supported."

First of all, I don't get the obsession with embryonic stem cell research. I'm not aware of any research from them that has yielded any sort of health benefits while research on adult stem cells has been much more successful. Yet the rush to kill embryos goes on full speed ahead.

Second, how can you claim to be pro-life, that human life begins at conception, but that embryonic stem cell research (ie destroying embryos to suck the life out of them) should continue. That claim reminds me of John Kerry stating that he believes life begins at conception, but women should have the right to choose.

This little "life" issue isn't one you can waddle down the middle on, Dr. Frist. Or shall I just keep calling you Senator Frist, because it's very unlikely you'll ever be anything more. It's "life" versus "science" and he chose science. Scientists think we evolved from sea scum, so I wouldn't hitch my political cart to their theories.