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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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10

Nancy Reagan Lauds Obama on Stem-Cell Ban

Prez pays tribute to Chris, Dana Reeve in overturning ruling

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(Newser) – Barack Obama lifted the Bush administration’s ban on stem-cell research today amid criticism from congressional Republicans but admiration from one Nancy Reagan, Politico reports. Lifting the ban “will now make it possible for scientists to move forward,” the former first lady said in a statement. “I urge researchers to do all they can to fulfill the promise that stem cell research offers."

Obama paid tribute to late actor Christopher Reeve, saying that the US should be thankful to Reeve for fighting for stem-cell research. Reeve and his late wife, Dana, established a foundation that funds research in spinal cord injuries. Obama said he wished the Reeves could’ve been at the White House today to see the ban overturned.

President Barack Obama shakes hands with guests after signing an Executive Order on stem cells and a Presidential Memorandum on scientific integrity, Monday, March 9, 2009.
President Barack Obama shakes hands with guests after signing an Executive Order on stem cells and a Presidential Memorandum on scientific integrity, Monday, March 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Former first lady Nancy Reagan is seen during a news conference with Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.,Tuesday, March 25, 2008, in Bel Air, Calif.
Former first lady Nancy Reagan is seen during a news conference with Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.,Tuesday, March 25, 2008, in Bel Air, Calif.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
In this 2007 file photo, former first lady Nancy Reagan arrives at the 2007 Ronald Reagan Freedom Award gala dinner in Beverly Hills, Calif.
In this 2007 file photo, former first lady Nancy Reagan arrives at the 2007 Ronald Reagan Freedom Award gala dinner in Beverly Hills, Calif.   (AP Photo)
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I’m very grateful that President Obama has lifted the restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research. We owe it to ourselves and to our children to do everything in our power to find cures for these diseases.
- Nancy Reagan

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10 comments
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JonmarkP
Mar 9, 09 2:59 PM CDT
She looks like she's already dead; the stem cells just keep her from knowing it. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
woody66
Mar 9, 09 3:33 PM CDT
wow. that was worthwhile comment jonmarkp. I feel better informed and enlightened now.
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IN RESPONSE:
NutsInNY
Mar 9, 09 7:07 PM CDT
jonmarkp is already dead. The free rent in his mother's basement just keeps him from knowing it.
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woody66
Mar 9, 09 3:42 PM CDT
This issue and Mrs Reagan adding her voice to the chorus creates a bit of a conundrum for the GOP. Continue the opposition to stem cell research or "get one for the gipper' and hope that this research might help cure the Alzheimers Disease that laid their beloved "great communicator" low. This seems the very essence of the so called "culture wars".........rigid ideology versus what others might refer to as ethical pragmatism. With support for abortion at about 55% nationally vs 43 or so against, I suspect the support for stem cell research to be closer to 75% or so but haven't seen a poll. Reply
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JonmarkP
Mar 12, 09 2:14 PM CDT
Gee, I'm glad you and Nancy Reagan have weighed in on stem cell research. Now if we can get a few more insights from a few more intellectual luminaries, we'll know what we should be thinking.
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