It isnt often that I am impressed with Republicans in their
handling of pro-life issues, but last week’s floor debate in the
House on easing the Presidents restrictions on stem cell funding
was one of those times. The arguments by the largely Republican
opponents of the stem cell legislation were measured, rational,
and scientific. In contrast the arguments of the bills
supporters shouldnt even qualify as demagoguery. Histrionics
would be more apt.  In speaking out against the bill Republicans
were on top of their game. They clarified thatin spite of their
opponents spinthere is no ban on embryonic stem cell research.
They pointed out that the research is not struggling or under-
funded, but already has over $4 billion designated for it over
the next decade from the public and private sector. In response
to the perennial charge that they and the President are against
science they reminded the listener that the current bill is in
essence one passed two years ago and that two years is an
eternity in cutting edge