Yeah, I'm sure the title got a lot of your attention. But it won't be me defending Frist. I'm getting a little tired of trying to find excuses for his bizarre behavior.
Rep. Stanley notes this as being indicitive of Frist's decisiveness and strength of character. I note this as being evasive and roundabout. That is the kind of answer that just reeks of "I've been painted into a corner by the Democrats and have to vote with them, but I can't say why." ANY investigative reporter, faced with an answer like that, would be digging for the truth of what happened, hoping to find whatever dirt Frist was blackmailed with.
Now, of course, I don't know if Frist was blackmailed back then any more than I know what his motivations are for coming out against the President on stem cell research. But here's what I do know.
1. Frist has show a fairly consistant record of voting RINO.
2. Frist will be running for President in 2008
3. Frist has no idea of whom he represents.
It seems to me that he's been listening to the Democrats tell him what "mainstream America" wants for too long. Maybe he should go ask mainstream America what they actually do want. Because I'm pretty sure he would get a different answer than what he's coming up with on his own. Hopefully his 2008 aspirations won't be enough to keep someone who is actually worth having in the White House from running.
On a side note, Rep. Stanley mentions an interesting idea for 2008. Have Fred Thompson run for President. I'm not sure exactly about his politics, but I know that he would be well recognized and well liked. It would probably be about as good a chance as we have for continuing Conservative reign.
1
Had someone used Mr. Frist's stem cells he wouldn't have been around to vote for stem cell research. He won't be getting my vote.
Posted by: Carlos at August 01, 2005 09:35 AM (8e/V4)
2
what conservative reign are you talking about? did I miss something? Bush is as big s spender as has ever been in the white house.
Posted by: Mr. K at August 01, 2005 10:29 AM (VudXl)
3
I'm sure Kerry could reduce your spending for you. As well as continuing to slaughter millions of innocent children each year.
Yeah, Bush isn't the best conservative in the world. But neither is anyone else. He's still better than any of the options, such as Frist, McCain, et al.
I'm just hoping the Republican party comes up with someone better for 2008 or we'll end up with a Kerry clone.
Posted by: Drew at August 01, 2005 10:33 AM (Ml8z/)
4
My understanding is that the stem-cell lines in question are ones that are slated for destruction.
There is world-wide a race on to find out what the real medical possibilities of stem-cells are, since there is so much bogus hype and claims of miracle cures - and it's quite possible (and in some cases already shown) that embryonic stem-cells represent no more specialty than umbilical stem-cells.
But there is a HUGE scientific race and money-chase in every way connected to stem-cells of each and every type, and every University's bio-medical research group has plans for some kind of damn multidisciplinary institute to study both stem cell biology, cancer biology, and whatever synergistically generates the most Donor-Funds and they are going ahead wherever possible with whatever thery can, with or without Federal support.
According to
Silicon Valley/San Jose BizJournal already
In 1992, Stanford researcher Irving Weissman was one the first in the world to begin working with human adult stem cells, the university says, and about five years ago, scientists delved into the pioneering field of mouse embryonic stem cell research.
The university formalized its commitment in 2002 with the creation of the Institute for Cancer/Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, which was jump-started by $12 million grant from an anonymous donor. The institute is directed by Dr. Weissman.
Stanford has at least 10 different stem cell research groups working on a wide variety of conditions including Parkinson's, cancer, stroke, and diabetes, funded through a combination of federal and private grants.
Donor funds are the stem-cell-lifeblood of endowments, and the next thing are patents and patentable technology spin-offs. Irv's brought a lot of big-bucks to Snodfart and 12-million in anonymous dough is building the next center, and demolition is already taking place to situate it.
There's a HUGE worldwide race and Big-Money chase already taking place, the whistle has blown and they're out of the starting blocks is all I'm saying - and we'd better beat France to this. ;-)
Posted by: -keith in mtn. view at August 01, 2005 10:38 AM (vbPWL)
5
That is my understanding on Frist's view for stem cell research, using embryos that would be discarded anyway.
No arguments that Kerry would be worse, but no time to debate Bushie versus McCain or even Frist. Bush is not a fiscal conservative, and I doubt he is even truly a social conservative. He is a very wily politician, though. And he does have balls, which is more than can be said for a lot of the possible alternatives.
Posted by: Mr. K at August 01, 2005 11:04 AM (VudXl)
6
Gaah- smokescreen. This is what makes or breaks a leader for you?
Posted by: Max at August 01, 2005 12:53 PM (HFKAk)
7
Which are you referrring to, Max? The fact that he stabs his party in the back? Or the fact that he won't reveal his reasons for doing it? Or the fact that he's got a track record of doing it? Or the fact that he doesn't have enough balls to stand up and act like he's the leader of the majority party in the Senate?
Yes, all those things combined with what seems to be like an alarming lack of personal integrity definately make or break a leader.
Posted by: Drew at August 01, 2005 12:59 PM (Ml8z/)
8
There's a representative Paul Stanley? That's totally sweet.
Posted by: The Babaganoosh at August 02, 2005 12:21 AM (y/2iz)
9
Question from a curious Dem: Just who are Frist's support base? He courted the religious right, then tried the Schiavo gambit and failed, toyed with the nuclear option and got rolled over by the "gang of 14", then ditched the christians to tack to the center on stem cells. Who are his supporters? Not picking on the guy, I'm seriously interested in a GOP take...
Posted by: Reid at August 02, 2005 12:24 AM (X4Img)
10
Well, Reid, that's an excellent question. At this point, I would assume his only support base are the people of his home state who keep electing him. I certainly hope he doesn't think he can carry the presidency on just that, though.
Posted by: Drew at August 02, 2005 06:11 AM (HQiW4)
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