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December 20, 2005

State Funding Stem Cell Research

New Jersey has become the first state to use public money to fund human stem cell research. The state announced $5 million in grants Friday to be split among 17 projects, the New York Times reported. Only three involve human embryonic stem cells, with others studying animals or using adult stem cells... "The grants we have awarded today are based on science, not politics, and have been conceived by some of the brightest minds and best institutions in our state," acting Gov. Richard J. Codey said in a statement. "This funding will hopefully set the stage for a new era in medical treatments that will ease the suffering of millions and ultimately save lives."
(from physorg)

As a libertarian, I do not want to see this funded by the state. But in all honesty, the scientist in me is much more excited by the fact that the state is not trying to block stem cell research. In fact, my soon-to-be-ex-governor Mark Warner was complaining about Congress's anti-research stance just last week.

Congress, Warner said, has put too much emphasis on issues like the Terri Schiavo case, while blocking stem-cell research...

I would really rather not see federal money spent on this, but the current reality of scientific research on controversial issues like this one is that either the government funds it or bans it. Given that choice, which would you prefer?

Wulf Posted by Wulf on December 20, 2005 at 01:18 PM

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Comments

As long as the government wants to fund ventures like this, I think it would be preferable to have some sort of incentive system, in lieu of outright fed. financing.

Just a thought.

Posted by: doinkicarus at December 21, 2005 1:41 AM

I agree, government should not finance it.

I think we need to continue to fight this commonly held, but patently incorrect view, that whatever isn't government funded is expressly forbidden. In such a case, its easy for people to forget that there is a thing called a "free market".

I am optimistic for the future of stem cell research, and what sort of advances it will bring. But even for such _good_ causes, I cannot bring myself to endorse government spending one dime on it. I have to show my respect for my neighbors who find stem-cell research an abomination...

Posted by: Libertarian Jason at December 21, 2005 9:22 AM

Jason, what about the argument that some things need to be researched on the government's dime because their application falls within the government's purview - for example military or policing technologies? I mean, who funded the Manhattan Project?

Also, where does your respect for your neighbors come into play? Personally, my opposition to stem cell funding would not come from that at all. It would come from the fact that the development of stem cell technology and science is not a direct part of the government's mandate (unlike the Manhattan Project).

Posted by: Wulf at December 21, 2005 4:51 PM

what about the argument that some things need to be researched on the government's dime because their application falls within the government's purview - for example military or policing technologies? I mean, who funded the Manhattan Project?

I'd have to think on that one, some. My gut response would be that I don't have any major objections, providing that it's for legitimate functions of government. That being said, I don't see how stem-cell research falls into that category....unless you are looking to make some kind of biological weapon....(which, correct me if I'm wrong, was one of those nasty things we accused Saddam of trying to build....)

Also, where does your respect for your neighbors come into play?

My respect for my neighbors comes from the fact that I recognize that some people oppose stem cell research on religious grounds. While I may disagree with these people, I feel that I should respect the boundaries of the conscience and seek to force them to fund something that abhor. I wouldn't want them doing it to me, so I should show them the same courtesy.

Posted by: Libertarian Jason at December 22, 2005 8:35 AM

I am fully for government funding on stem cell research. Stem cells have the potential of so much it isn't funny. With that in mind, what would you rather see, 5 million given to stem cell research or to some schmuck who wants to verify the color of urine?

Posted by: Ski at December 23, 2005 7:36 PM

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