Mephisto2

It was meant as a rhetorical, and extreme, analogy.

Suffice it to say that I don't subscribe to the "less Government is better" political concept.

No. I thought I had made that clear. And, just in case I hadn't, I was being slightly sarcastic. The written word, especially on the internet, is not always accurate or reliable in communicating the subtleties of one's point.


I would say that there are quite a great deal.

That's true. But the sentence I quoted did not say that. It stated that "personal liberty" was the first "casualty" [sic] of centralized Government. I disagree.

I believe members of society have an obligation to contribute to that society, whether they agree or support all its actions or not. There's a whole different topic for discussion here...


Mr Mephisto

samcol

This obligation is outlined in a contract called the Constitution. This research is simply not part of anyone's obligation at a federal level. I don't know how much more simple I can make this.

Mephisto2

Funding for those with mental retardation is not part of anyone's obligation at a federal level.

Funding for protecting areas of the North American continent (like Yosemite Park) is not part of anyone's obligation at a federal level.

Funding for the war in Iraq is not part of anyone's obligation at a federal level.

The previous three statements are true if, and only if, you believe that an individual taxpayer has the right to dictate, on a case by case basis, how Government funds are spent. But they can't. If they don't like the policies, then they can vote someone else in. But I can guarantee you that whomever is elected won't allow you to "pick and choose" where 'your money' [sic] is spent.

The whole point of a tax system is that it provides the Government with funds, which they distribute as they see fit. You don't get to decide on an individual or case by case basis.

I don't know how much more simple I can make this.


Mr Mephisto

M0oMo0Man

Stem cell research is the future of not only human's but our breed as well. This means we can make babies all one color eliminating racism. I propose that all our future breed should be supreme, should be white, preferably blonde, blue eyes, so none will be disappointed.

tecoyah

__________________
Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

sentimental_arm

Let it continue despite opposition. The one's who think it's ethically wrong will probably not benefit from it due to their beliefs so they shouldn't stand in the way of other's who may get the end results of the research. cantona