The latest developments in the field of embryonic stem cell research has Congress pushing forward a bill that would require the Secretary of Health of Human Services to initiate a plan to support this type of research.

I bet many of you have your opinions on whether embryonic stem cell research is a good or bad thing, but that's not the point of this post. My question is whether or not government should be involved in supporting scientific research period.

Scientific research is a pretty broad category, covering everything from studying the weather, to biological weapons, to alternative fuels, to eradicating diseases. But should government really take a role in supporting and financing scientific research at all?

My answer is no.

Let's suppose that embryonic stem cell research could lead to a medical breakthrough that effectively eliminates kidney failure, diabetes, alzheimer, etc. Then it stands to reason that such cures would create a multi-billion dollar industry. If the rewards are SO lucrative, then why haven't biotech firms spent any money on this research? The answer is that it doesn't hold any promise. These firms are instead spending their efforts on other forms of stem cell research, that uses cells other than embryonic cells.

I smell politics here. In order to get embryonic stem cells, one must start with embryos. And the only way to get embryos, is through aborted fetuses. So, if embryonic stem cell research can prove to cure chronic diseases, then we will have to protect abortion. And there's the politics. This is an attempt to "legitimize" abortions.

Go to any of the biotech firms, and ask them why they haven't poured more money into embryonic stem cells, and they'll tell you it's because it doesn't hold any promise. Why should they spend their money on something they know is not going to work? Take a look at several articles below that debunk of the myth of embryonic stem cell research as folly:

Promise of Miracles, a False one - Michael Cook, the Australian

Stem-Cell Basics - Nancy Frazier O'Brien - Tidings Online

Diabetes Foundation Loses its Way - Michael Fumento - WorldNet Daily

Myths of Stem Cell Research require closer look at facts - Peter Cataldo - Detroit Free Press

In the last article above, Cataldo is quoted as saying:

The truth is that there are two types of stem cell research -- embryonic and adult -- and that the treatment needs of people afflicted with debilitating diseases may be met with adult stem cell research. The fact that there are two types of stem cell research and that there are significant differences between them is often lost in the rhetoric.

Extracting stem cells from embryos to establish embryonic stem cell lines kills embryos. Embryonic stem cells have proven difficult to work with and have a propensity to form tumors in experiments. Despite continuing embryonic stem cell research, to date there are no clinical treatments with these cells.

This is why biotech firms haven't spent any money researching embryonic stem cells. It's doesn't hold any promise. The promise lies in adult stem cells. Yet, taxpayers are being forced to pony up their hard-earned money to pay for embryonic stem cell research, so that politicians and political groups can advance their agendas, in this case, the abortion agenda.

This is why government should keep itself out of scientific research programs. There is too much corruption in government money. If the government limited itself only to protecting its people, protecting its borders, and protecting its interests abroad, then there would be a LOT LESS money at the federal level. Hence, there would be a lot less corruption at the federal level.

This is why we have to oppose this kind of legislation. Let the private sector deal with scientific research, and let private donors finance these programs.