Nancy Reagan makes a rare speech urging more stem cell research

[DaveSZ]

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-nancy9may09,1,4093110.story?coll=la-home-local

Stem Cell Funding Is Put in Spotlight
Nancy Reagan makes a rare speech urging more research, which is limited by U.S. policy.



By Stephanie Chavez, Times Staff Writer


In rare remarks aimed at influencing national public policy, former First Lady Nancy Reagan told a star-studded crowd Saturday night that stem cell research must be pursued "to save families from the pain" of debilitating illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease, which afflicts her husband, former President Reagan.

"I am determined to do whatever I can," she said after receiving a standing ovation at a gala fundraiser in her honor at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

She told the crowd, which included Michael J. Fox, Harrison Ford and James Taylor, that Alzheimer's had taken her husband "to a distant place where I can no longer reach him." She added that stem cell research held hope for a cure.

snip

In the past, she has discreetly made known her views in support of stem cell research. But Saturday's event marked the first time that she had spoken publicly in favor of the research, for which President Bush limited federal funding in 2001, following a politically charged debate.

-more-

[boxster]

1. Although this is obviously motivated by her husband's disease,

I still have to respect her for standing up in opposition to the party line.

[Torgo4]

2. B-b-b-b-but...I Thought It Was a Matter of Right or Wrong!

Like most conservatives, she will stick to principle, until it hurts her or hers!
Using unborn baby tissue is evil...unless...uh...well...it can help me, Me , ME & my tribe!
Then we'll hold our nose and proceed.

I honestly think empathy outside their clan is impossible!

[boxster]

3. That's true, but to be fair, it's a problem that exists everywhere in our

society. People don't really give a crap about most causes, no matter how noble, until they or someone they care about is affected.

Christopher Reeve comes to mind, though I honestly don't know where he is on the political spectrum.

[neebob]

5. So true

and the ones who end up getting attention are the ones who can afford the best care.

[boxster]

6. Good point.

On the other hand, I guess the good thing about public figures experiencing illness or injury is that the research charities at least get some attention.

Otherwise, they'd be even more seriously underfunded than they already are.

[neebob]

7. Yes, thank heaven for rich egomaniacs

trying to save themselves. Oh, shoot - there goes my karma.

[calimary]

10. Christopher Reeve is VERY MUCH one of the good guys.

Long ago, before he had his accident, he was one of the founders, I believe, of the Creative Coalition, a group of actors and others based in New York City, who espoused liberal and progressive causes. He never hesitated to lobby for, or lend his name on behalf of, many urgent issues.

[Skittles]

8. she is a typical conservative

only when it directly affects THEM do they GIVE A SHIT. Nancy is as self-serving as she ever was.

[neebob]

4. If I didn't care about my karma

I'd say what I think of this.

[DaveSZ]

I agree with you guys

Most people don't give a shit about others until they are affected.

I wonder if that attitude is unique to the US, or if it's shared in other nations.

[DaveSZ]

9. I agree with you guys

Most people don't give a shit about others until they are affected.

I wonder if that attitude is unique to the US, or if it's shared in other nations.

[diamond14]

11. she did this at the request of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation....

(Mary Tyler Moore sits on the board, and also suffers horribly from juvenile diabetes)....


Diabetes is a ghastly disease that KILLS over 200,000 Americans every year (more than AIDS and breast cancer combined)

....bush* has stopped all research into diabetes....

there will be no cure for diabetes, because bush*'s campaign donors, especially Eli Lilly, make all their money from insulin....if a cure is found, then those pharmaceutical company's profits will tank....diabetes has become a huge profit-maker for many companies...making money off the least of our citizens, those who are dying from an incurable disease....

Eli Lilly continues to make MOST of their profits off those who are least able to survive...those with Type I diabetes (which is NOT caused by overweight, but is a childhood disease caused possibly from a virus)...making profits off people's sufferings must be banned in America...there is nothing more horrible than having rich corporations make PROFITS off off dying Americans, especially preying on children....