June 03, 2005

Missing the Point: Federal Funding of Stem Cell Research
by Congressman Ron Paul - R - TX

Medical and scientific ethics issues are in the news again, as Congress narrowly passed a bill last week that funds controversial embryonic stem cell research. While I certainly sympathize with those who understandably hope such research will lead to cures for terrible diseases, I object to forcing taxpayers who believe harvesting embryos is immoral to pay for it.

Congressional Republicans, eager to appease pro-life voters while still appearing suitably compassionate, supported a second bill that provides nearly $80 million for umbilical cord stem cell research. But it’s never compassionate to spend other people’s money for political benefit. (Read the rest here)

Close the Bases — and Cut the Spending
by Sheldon Richman

The frantic reaction to the Pentagon’s plans to close 33 major military facilities demonstrates how heavily government dominates modern life. Most of the reaction had nothing to do with national security. After all, it is Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld floating the proposal. Who is going to believe that he and his boss, President Bush, are weak on the military? On the contrary, they too readily see it as a panacea.

No, the reaction focused on the economic cost to the bases’ surrounding communities. As CNN put it, “The reaction to the announcement by the communities affected — from New Jersey to California, Wisconsin to Texas — was first disappointment, then determination to fight for their livelihoods.” CNN added that “the Pentagon plan calls for a net loss of 29,005 military and civilian jobs at domestic installations.” (Read the rest here)

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The Mailbag for Friday

Libertarian Commentary on The News
By Nathan A. Barton © 2004

 

Day three of the new month, but much the same old, same old, news. But brother! Can people write about the same things over and over again! I try to do the same thing, I guess, but at least my stuff is interesting (to me, at least; you may have your own opinion just like anyone else associated with TPoL or RRND or FND might). Several stories from different sources today, for your enlightenment and preparation. I pounce on Euro-troubles to start, take a couple of swipes at Tennessee (honestly, I do love you guys and your state: without your help (well, your ancestors' help), Texas would still be half of a Mexican state. But I snipe at Texas, today, too, so you can't complain too much!

The Decline and Fall of Europe

Crushing defeat leaves EU vision in tatters
Guardian [UK]
"European leaders' long-held dream of anchoring the continent's greater unification in its first constitution was dissolving before their eyes last night after the Dutch delivered the second crushing blow to it in three days. Given the chance to have their say in their first ever referendum, the Netherlands voted by an overwhelming majority against the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe. The Dutch rejected the treaty by 61.6% to 38.4% on a high turnout of 62%, according to a tally of almost all the votes." (06/02/05)

I talked about this at length yesterday, but the pundits are just hitting the presses - and so are the spinmeisters, as we see in the next stories. (Read the rest here)

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