Science Open Letter to John Solomon
posted by on August 16 at 11:51 AM
Dear John,
On the Washington Post’s election blog, you managed to make an ass of yourself.
Many religious conservatives, including President Bush, oppose the scientific use of embryonic stem cells because the cells often come from aborted fetuses.(emphasis added)
This is objectively false. Many religious conservatives, including President Bush, oppose the scientific use of embryonic stem cells because they are ignorant fools.
Embryonic stem cells are NOT made from aborted fetuses. Embryonic stem cells are made from leftover embryos from IVF clinics. You know, the unregulated industry focused on bringing yet more children into a world of over six-billion people—a world that can sustain at most about two billion people with the Western lifestyle. Embryonic stem cell research is an alternative to fetal tissue research.
This isn’t an arguable point, like the idea that a clump of a hundred cells could be the moral, spiritual and legal equivalent to an adult human being. This isn’t balanced reporting. This is categorically false.
To help you figure things out, I’ve created and sent a T-shirt to you, c/o of the Post.
While brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or flossing, you can have a helpful hint right on your chest. Your back will help your editors—who allowed this to sit uncorrected for days—figure some things out as well.
Accurately Yours,
Science
Thanks to Tom Robey at Hope-for-Pandora for the catch. Know of any other reporters, politicians or relatives who deserve a t-shirt? E-mail me at dearscience@thestranger.com.
facts are for sissies.
And this is the WaPo. Liberal bias in the media? No, STUPID bias in the media.
Well, the WaPo is also the paper that brought us in depth analysis of Hillary's cleavage....
Thank you Science!
You forgot to add unregulated IVF clinics that allow, condone and even encourage (immoral) multiple birth pregancies and the trail of physical/mental disability often left behind for these children to endure.
You get 1-2 chances to land that fertilized egg properly just like anyone else does folks.
Thanks for broadcasting this to an audience larger than I could garner on my own!
Some stats on IVF...
The probability of having twins today is around 3%, or about 1 in 33
Whereas the statistics for higher order multiple births have shown a dramatic increase in recent years. The odds of conceiving "spontaneous" triplets (i.e., without the aid of fertility enhancements) is about 1 in 8,100.
Researchers noted a substantial -- 400%!! -- increase in the rate of triplet births over the last twenty years.
Normally, the odds of having spontaneous quadruplets are predicted to be 1 in 729,000!
It is estimated that 60% of triplets, 90% of quadruplets, and 99% of quintuplets are the result reproductive technology!
Don't forget! Women who get IVF treatment often choose to "reduce" multiple birth pregnancies. Think of the baybees!!!
This is what happens when you learn about stem cells from South Park.
So then, does anyone want to argue that the IVF industry needs to be regulated? Perhaps because the women seeking fertility treatment need you to tell them which choices they may and may not make with regard to their own bodies?
Anyone?
I
I less-than-three Science. Sheesh.
How about this: Abortion+Fertility clinics! Abort babies and plant them in someone else! EVERYBODY WINS!
elenchos, yes.
or if not, at least be prepared to be held liable (along with parents) for the (wreckless) outcome. it's called willful harm.
again, everybody gets to land 1, possibly 2, fertilized eggs at a time - just like everyone else.
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