E mail from Congresswoman Diana DeGette Re: Stem Cell Research

[Coastie for Truth]

Dear XXX.

It can get ugly here in Washington - especially with Tom DeLay and Republicans in Congress abusing their power on a daily basis. But even under these difficult circumstances, Democrats in Congress can still win inspirational victories that make it all worthwhile.

The six months since I introduced my bill, H.R. 810, to expand stem cell research are such an inspirational time. When President Bush won re-election, most political analysts thought the hopes of millions of Americans for serious stem cell research were dead. Even fewer thought that the House of Representatives would challenge the President when he threatened to veto any bill lifting his stifling limitations on stem cell research.

But now Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist has found it in his conscience to stop obstructing hope, and to support expanding federal support for stem cell research. This makes it more likely that the Senate will pass our bill, which Democrats pushed through the House in May, and send it to President Bush's desk.

I applaud Senator Frist for choosing compassion and hope over the demands of the extreme right. Stand with me in demanding that President Bush do the same:

Tell President Bush to Withdraw His Veto Threat on Stem Cells.

In his nearly five years as president, George Bush has never vetoed a bill. To do so now would be devastating to the 110 million Americans who could potentially see their lives and their children's lives improved dramatically or even saved.

This should not be a partisan issue. The progress we made on this legislation in a Congress that is normally ruled by an iron Republican fist (or hammer) shows that, in the end, it need not be.

The extreme elements of the Republican base have tried to cast this as an ideological battle. But Republican Senator Arlen Specter, who is co-sponsoring the Senate version of the stem cell bill and who has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, has brought the debate home for many of us:


"The scientists know more than the people in the White House. And the scientists tell us they have enormous potential to cure diseases like the one I'm suffering from...I think it is scandalous when we have the potential to save lives and we're not doing so."
Tell President Bush to Withdraw His Veto Threat on Stem Cells.

When Congress returns from recess, President Bush will have to make a decision on whether to obstruct the clear will of the American people and dash the hopes of millions on behalf of a few fringe supporters. Please stand with me in asking President Bush to have the courage to do what's right for all of America, and for people across the globe.

You and the DCCC have stood together and helped this issue gain the national attention it deserves. Over 10,000 of you have already signed our petition, and hundreds of you wrote in and helped to create a massive archive of stories from across the country explaining why stem cell research is personal to you. This is not about politics. We've overcome the opposition of Tom DeLay in the House and now we've drawn Senator Frist to our side.

We need to get another 10,000 signatures and show the President that passing this legislation - not doing the bidding of his radical supporters - is the will of the people.

There is only one obstruction left.

Tell President Bush to Withdraw His Veto Threat on Stem Cells.

Thank you so much. Sincerely,

Rep. Diana DeGette
Colorado's First District

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I don't have dog in this fight any more. I am a diabetic - and have already started first stage renal failure. The promise will not be fulfilled fast enough for me.

[fudge stripe cookays]

1. So sorry Coastie.

For the first time in my life I am really affected by this issue, having been recently diagnosed with MS.

I have been paying more attention to this issue than I ever have. Thank goodness for DeGette and others like her.

FSC