Stem Cell Research

Scientific research predicts that stem cells will help people with various diseases. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that develop into more than 200 types of cells that make up the adult body. Eventually, stem cells will be able to replace or repair damaged cells, and treat diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and paralysis. There, however, is the problem, which has caused much debate within this nation and that is, how these stem cells are derived. Specifically, most stem cell lines are derived from "four-or five day old embryos, or fertilized cells." These are cells discarded by fertility clinics, whose owner has decided not to bring to term. Here lies the problem, opponents believe that because the cells are fertilized with the potential to become a viable egg, it is wrong to use that cell for the benefit of science and discard a potential human life.

I believe that stem cell research should be used to benefit the sick. The stem cells could be used as a cure for cancer and other fatal diseases. I think that the stem cells should help the people who are already alive than for someone who was never born. With this new technology, scientists could save thousands of lives and eventually, put a stop to some diseases. If stem cell research is funded, there would be an available cure and patients wouldn't have to go through a painful series of chemotherapy, which they might not survive. Stem cell research is a breakthrough for curing illnesses, which I think would benefit everyone.

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/health/diseasesconditionsandhealthtopics/stemcells/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier

Global Warming Effecting the Earth

The planet is suffering from a drastic climate change caused by excessive (C02), carbon dioxide gas releasedinto the atmosphere, which is creating a blanket over the earth and not allowing heat to escape. This change is most likely due to human activity in the environment. For example, pollution from factories, the use of the internal combustion engine and deforestation play a huge role in the release of excesscarbon dioxide. Due to deforestation, trees are not absorbing the Co2, thus allowing more carbon dioxide to build up in the atmosphere of the earth. "Since 1970, temperatures have gone up at nearly three times the average for the 20th century." (1). "The evidence of a warming trend is "unequivocal," and that human activity has "very likely" been the driving force in that change over the last 50 years." (1). Global warming will continue to get worse unless we try to control how much Co2 we produce from daily activities. If the global climate temperature increases between 3.5 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit drastic climate changes will occur it will result in devastation to us all.

In my opinion, we should do something to help our environment. I think we should limit the amount of Co2 that is given off into the atmosphere by cutting down on internal combustion engine and stop factories from polluting into the air. Instead, people should drive more fuel-efficient cars, like hybrids or they should make a car that relies on other resources that doesn't harm the environment. Factories should decrease pollution in the atmosphere by coming up with alternative ways of excreting wastes. Mostly, we need to save trees from deforestation because they help reduce carbon dioxide by absorbing the gas in and replacing it with oxygen. If we don't do something now to reduce global warming, then it is our grandchildren who will be paying the price. We all live in this beautiful world, and I think we should do whatever it takes to protect it. Everyone can at least throw away their trash and recycle for a start

(1) Global Warming- Science - The New York Times

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaigns/global-warming-and-energy/science/co2-emissions

Carter's View on "You lie" Comment to be Racist

Former president Jimmy Carter believes the outburst, at President Barack Obama's speech, by South Carolina representative, Joe Wilson, to be fueled by racism. During Obama's speech before Congress about health care reform, representative Joe Wilson abruptly exclaimed, "You lie!" to the president. Although, Wilson says that it was not an act of racism, former president Carter believes it to be. In an interview with president Carter, Carter explains why he found the outburst to be racist. ' "I live in the South and I've seen the South come a long way," he said. But, " I think it's bubbled up to the surface of the belief among many white people not just in the south, but around the country ... that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance and grieves me and concerns me very deeply." '

In my opinion, I do not believe the, "You lie!", comment to be racist, although I thought that it was very rude of him. I believe that everything that's happening in the United States, for example, the recession, the war in Afghanistan, illegal immigration, has just been bottled up in the American populous and they want to take it out on Obama. Also, there is not enough evidence to state that Wilson's comment was in fact racist. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and just because someone does not agree with the president does not make the them racist.

Carter’s Racism Charge Sparks War of Words - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/32867107#32867107

Universal health care in the United States

American citizens are suffering with their finances due to a deep recession within the economy. Many Americans can not afford health insurance due to this economic struggle. President Barack Obama is proposing a new health care reform that hopes to make health care affordable to every U.S. citizen, with universal health care. In order to start the health care reform, Obama looked at the stimulus bill. This bill would direct money toward health records and the research of medical procedures. A down payment of $600 billion was proposed to Congress by Obama for the health care system reform. This would be done by limiting income tax for taxpayers. Congress stated that, "The government should offer a public health insurance plan as an alternative to private insurance." Unfortunately, the universal health care reform is controversial because insurance companies would go out of business if universal health care gets passed. Thus, creating even more Americans jobless.

In my opinion, health care should be a basic right of every American. I think Americans should not have to pay a cent for health care and that it should be guaranteed to them. For example, those who are poor and are making just enough to get by, should not have to spend money on health care. If in the event we do get universal health care, the government should create some kind of program for former health insurance company workers. In which they could help work for universal health care, and the government could pay their salaries.

Democrats Agree on a Health Plan; Now Comes the Hard Part - NYTimes.com