We must be wise, objective stewards

I find our current political atmosphere fascinating and confusing. One side of our political spectrum, from the top rung of the ladder to the very bottom, is in concert betting a huge portion of their poker chips on one issue, embryonic stem cell research. To the average voter, it’s probably not something they feel confident about in order to formulate an informed opinion. It seems we are bombarded with outrageous claims and statements that have literally no basis in fact whatsoever.

Aside from the issue of medical ethics, the scientific results so far with respect to embryonic stem cell research have been disappointing to say the least. Not one medical application has been found after years of research and millions of dollars. That is not to say we should abandon research on the current cell lines we have now. But I’d rather not throw more money at something that has shown so little promise at the expense of other projects. We owe it as a nation to be wise and objective stewards.

I have no respect for those who prey on ignorance, who base their support on the “knee-jerk” response of emotion and passion rather than careful thought and consideration. And the sad part is that they will probably get away with it.

Stephen Thorsen

Mukilteo